LIFE AT ROSEHALL. 



IN my sporting excursions I frequently prefer being alone and 

 independent of either friend or keeper ; not from any disinclina- 

 tion to the society of my fellow-men far from it but from a 

 liking to watch and observe the habits and proceedings of many of 

 the living animals of the country. Now, one's friend may become 

 bored by being carried off from his shooting, and being hampered 

 by the movements of another person whose attention for the time 

 being is taken up in following some bird or beast not included in 

 the game-book, and therefore not deemed worthy of notice during 

 the shooting season. If my own larder or that of my friend is in 

 want of replenishing, I can fill it as well and quickly as most 

 people ; but at other times I like to take my shooting quietly. 

 In deer-stalking the solitary sportsman has often great advantages, 

 though his enjoyment of the sport is much enhanced by the 

 thought that he has some friend, some " fidus Achates," to whom 

 he can relate the incidents of the day, and who, following the same 

 pursuits, will enjoy and appreciate the account of the pains and 

 fatigues he has undergone before bringing down the noble animal 

 whose horns he exhibits in triumph. Much of my deer-stalking 

 time was spent alone, or at most with no companionship save that 

 of an ancient and experienced Highlander, or a chance visitor 

 some travelling laird or sportsman who was as glad to receive as 



