CATALOGUE OF BIRDS. 61 



covered well over with dry heather and brakes, and 

 finally sprinkled with snow. 



I then sent the men away, and quietly awaited the 

 performance. 



Almost simultaneously with the first streak of light 

 in the east, I heard a rush of wings ; and an old cock, 

 passing within a few feet of my head, settled on the 

 open space about twenty yards in front of me. 



For full ten minutes there were no other arrivals, 

 and I began to fear that another spot had been chosen 

 for that day's amusements. 



Suddenly three or four more appeared on the scene, 

 having probably quietly alighted on the other side of 

 the brae. 



For a few moments they remained silently watching 

 one another, apparently waiting for a signal from the 

 leader. 



I next caught sight of two or three small parties 

 flying high in the air direct from the hills on the 

 opposite side of a steep burn. After circling once 

 round the spot, they alighted lower down on the hill, 

 and some of them, principally grey hens, remained 

 where they were, while the males gradually ascended 

 the rising ground, picking their way with the greatest 

 care, carrying their tails high over their backs, either 

 to show themselves to the greatest advantage, or to 

 avoid contact with the frost and snow. 



These were speedily followed by others, and they 

 kept on gathering, till between thirty and forty were 

 collected in a kind of irregular circle. 



The old cock, who had first appeared, and who was 

 evidently looked upon as the master of the ceremonies, 

 now advanced into the centre of the arena ; his comb 



