HUNTING-CAMPS ON HARDANGER VIDDEN. 189 
hurricanes from every point—snow-blizzards, rain, and 
driving scud in turns ; or our own position under 
canvas, unable to bunt, cut off by swollen torrents from 
retreat. Superlatives sound but tame, and posthumous 
expletives offend alike both good taste and sound 
philosophy. 
The following extracts from a diary kept on the spot 
will convey some idea of this experience ; premising 
first that our abode was a canvas tent—“Explorer” 
pattern, single roof, size six feet by eight, which just 
afforded space for our two tressle-beds, with about a foot 
to spare between.* Our hunters were berthed in a stein- 
huset, or cave-dwelling dug out of the brae, some thirty 
yards below. The altitude of the tent was just under 
four thousand feet. 
August 22nd .—Ere the last star had paled we were 
astir, boiled coffee, and got away by 5.30. An hour later 
it was raining—fine rain at first, but growing worse, 
with scud on hills. Nils, my new hunter, pleased me 
by “ spotting ” a fox at long distance, scampering about 
on the edge of a snow-brae, but I declined the shot, as we 
were in perfect deer-country. Near midday found fresh 
spoor, and knew by the “ sign ” that we were within 
half an hour of deer—a certain find ! But just then the 
rain and sleet came away solid, and in the blinding scud 
nothing could be seen beyond fifty yards. Waited an 
* After trying various patterns of hunting-tents, I prefer the 
rectangular , for convenience, before the bell-shaped form—albeit 
the former necessitates carrying double uprights and crosspiece (all 
jointed), instead of a single pole. This tent was made by Messrs. 
Piggott Bros., of Bishopsgate Street. The tressle-beds (Salisbury 
pattern) and Pandora sleeping-bags are supplied by Messrs. S. W. 
Silver, Cornhill. 
