4 AMID THE HIGH HILLS 
twelfth in the company of an old friend with whom 
he was in perfect sympathy, watching the dogs at 
work amidst the purple heather on the side of the 
hill or along the heather-clad banks of a burn ? 
It is true also of salmon and trout fishing 
in the Highlands that the angler's sense of peace 
and contentment is largely due to the influence 
of the hills. This is especially so in the golden 
days at the beginning of August, those glorious 
days before the serious fun begins, when the 
trout in the loch are more of an excuse than a 
serious ploy, when one discusses the growdng 
antlers of the big hart on the Home beat, when 
one basks in the sunshine of the High Hills. 
Whilst writing what I have already said about 
stalking I recollected the following verses, which 
I intend to keep and read for my encouragement 
in days to come — days which are, I hope, still very 
far off: 
NORTHWARD BOUND 
(Once More) 
Does your heart still beat with the old excitement 
As you wait where the Scotch expresses are ? 
Does it answer still to the old indictment 
Of a fond delight in the sleeping-car, 
As it did when the rush through the autumn night meant 
The Gate of Desire ajar ? 
