STCRIES ABOUT BIRDS. 



space that surrounds the eye, and which is of a scarlet hue. The tail, with 

 some few exceptions, is short, and the hind toe small and weak. 



Some members of the family are found in warm countries, but, as a rule, 

 the grouse inhabit cold and alpine regions. And in some cases the bird is 

 protected by a clothing of feathers down to the tips of the toes. 



The bird in tlie picture is the prince of his tribe, and his name is derived 

 Irom a Gaelic word meaning " horse of the wood," and refers to his large size. 

 He is as large as a turkey, and his plumage is black freckled with white, so as 

 to look almost like grey. The breast is a handsome green, and the wings 

 chestnut red, while the tail is black tipped with white. 



The northern parts of Scotland once abounded with this magnificent bird. 

 His chief haunt was the pine forest, and his favourite food the tender leaves 

 and shoots of the Scotch fir. But his great beauty and savoury flesh caused 

 him to become an object of attraction. He was easily found on account of 

 his size and appearance, and at last was completely liunted down and 

 destroyed. The last specimen was killed about seventy years ago in the 

 woods of Scotland. 



But great efforts have been made to repair the loss. Some of the 

 Scottish nobility have procured birds from Sweden, and set them on eggs. 

 Many young birds thus hatched have been turned out into the forests, and in 

 time the race may again beconie plentiful. Besides the shoots of the Scotch 

 fir, the capercailzie, or "cock of the woods," as he is called, will eat juniper- 

 berries, cran-berries, and any other kind of forest fruit, and the young birds 

 will even eat insects and worms. 



In the early spring, when the snow is yet on the ground, the bird places 

 himselt on a pine-tree and begins what is termed his love song. He not only 

 sings, but dances. His wings drop, his tail is spread out like a fan, and he 

 looks very much like a turkey-cock when he is angry and gobbling. The note 

 he utters sounds like the word " pillar, pillar," and he goes on getting more 

 and more excited until he hardly knows how to contain himself He has his 

 dancing tirties — from the first dawn of day until the sun rises, and then from 

 sunset until dark. And he has his dancing places, where the game goes on 

 spring after spring. And what is rather funny, the old birds will not allow 

 the young ones to play and sing in their places. But if the old bird happens 

 to be shot, a young one is sure to set up liis note in the very same spot in the 

 course of a few days. 



