184 UPLAND SHOOTING. 



in mid-ocean, and where every mirage pictures a tropical 

 oasis — we forget our quest, and are lost in admiration of 

 the scene. The sportsman who will not draw vigor and 

 inspiration from such a view has no business in this 

 country. He may be a piece of walking mechanism, but 

 he lacks a soul. Up we go! The smoke of the camp-fire 

 fades in the distance. Clouds float about us, and at 

 length, as conquerors, we tread the carpet of fragrant 

 pine-needles. Not here, where trees are far apart, but in 

 some dense thicket, where the stunted conifers try in 

 vain to lift their heads among their stately elders, will 

 we find the objects of our search. Perchance our pointers 

 will be of little service. No — already they catch a scent, 

 but do not seem to be able to locate it. Probably it is 

 from some old bird that is perched in a tree. There is a. 

 low clump where we may be successful. The dogs come 

 up against the wind, and stand. How the chickens look 

 at us, and ruffle up their neck-feathers as though longing 

 for a fight! Get ready, for there is no telling how soon 

 they will fly. Up they rise, circling as they go, and then 

 dart noiselessly for a tree, where they will remain long 

 enough for us to get a sitting shot. Notice how closely 

 they resemble the brown excrescences on the weather- 

 beaten trunk, and then pick out the lowest bird, and 

 shoot up, so as not to frighten them. That was soon 

 done. The bag is heavier now. Let us retrace our steps 

 for an instant to find the bird whose scent the dogs lost. 

 It is probably some moulting male, that seeks retirement 

 at this season. The moulting season lasts from July 

 until September, and Franklin's grouse moults earlier 

 than does its dusky brother. 



We soon tire of walking up and down hill upon the 

 slippery needles, so we shall go down to a coppice-guarded 

 spring and discuss oiu' lunch; but if you are a stranger 

 in the mountains, and are interested in natural history, I 



