86 RECREATIONS OF A NATURALIST 



neglect of the proper use of the spy-glass, have I 

 let a good stag go away unharmed, and solaced 

 myself with a loving stare at an Eagle perched 

 on a crag above me, or a pair of soaring Buzzards 

 higher still. 



As an example of a day's enjoyment without 

 sport while in the midst of opportunities for it, a 

 day in September comes vividly to mind. Even 

 the date is accurately remembered- — the 26th — as 

 marking the first fall of snow that year, and the 

 extraordinary change of temperature which 

 accompanied the pursuit of Grouse" and Ptarmigan 

 within a fortnight of shooting Partridges under a 

 burning sun in a southern county. 



The first look out from the window on 

 awakening was not reassuring. A light rain and 

 leaden grey clouds betokened a repetition of the 

 weather of the day before. It might or might not 

 improve as the day wore on — there was no saying ; 

 and one had to decide whether to shoot or stalk, or 

 stay at home and try to sketch the loch from the 

 windows of the lodge. Exercise of some sort was 

 decided upon. Whether one got wet through or 

 no, seemed of little consequence. We were getting 

 used to it after a week's training, and to come in 

 at dusk well soaked, to enjoy a warm bath and a 

 change, seemed only part and parcel of the 

 daily routine, no matter what was the sport in 

 view. 



Stalking, then, being the order of the day, and 

 breakfast over, we fling on our shooting capes, 

 pull our caps over our eyes, and start for the hill. 



