434 THE FF.ATIIEREn TRIl'.ES. 



immediate vicinity of this, the sportsman conceals himself in a little hut erected for 

 that pui-pose. One or more persons now beat the surrounding countrj-, when the birds, 

 being disturbed, not unfrequently make towards the decoy, and thus, of course, fall an 

 easy sacrifice." 



* 



THE RED GROUSE. 



This is a handsome species, and though called by Pennant Scoticiis, is worthy of a 

 more general appellation, since it is found not only in Scotland, but in the north of 

 England, in Wales, and in Ireland. 



It is, however, especially abundant in Scotland. Mr. Hacgillivray says, that the low 

 sandy heaths of the eastern counties of the middle division appear to be less favourable to 

 it than the more moist peaty tracts of the western and northern districts, where the 

 shrubs on which it feeds attain a greater size. In the central and desolate legions of the 

 Grampians it is equally abundant, as on the moors of the Hebrides ; and ou the hilly 

 ranges of the south, the Pentlands, the Lamniprniuir, and the moimtains of Peebles, 

 Dumfries, and Selkirk, it is still plentiful. 



A depression of the ground, sheltered by a tuft of heather, sufiices for a nest, which is 

 formed of the stems of ling and grass, with occasionally a few feathers. The eggs are from 

 eight to fourteen or fifteen in number, of a reddish-white ground colour, nearly covered 

 with brown blotches and spots. 



The haunts of the red grouse are not so intei'esting as those of many birds, and among 

 them some of its own race. They ai'e the slopes and flats where the heath is of considerable 

 length, which renders walking over them very ftitiguing. There is, however, no danger 

 of being lured into bogs and quagmires in the pursuit of these moor-fowl, for they always 

 keep the firm ground. For this there is a special reason — their feet are not adapted to soft; 

 places. As theii- security from birds of prey is in the heather, and not on the wing, 

 they do not rise, except at the sight of man or quadrupeds, and not always then. 



The wariness of these birds has often been noticed. Even when the pack are basking 

 during their noontide rejjose, in the sunny days of autumn, the head of one or more of 

 the males may be seen sufficiently elevated above the cover as to see in all dii-ections. 

 Speedily is the visitor espied, when a short call-note is uttered, the heads disappear, and 

 the whole pack lie close till he passes. So difficult is it to raise them, especially wlien 

 they are not in good feather, and the season has been rather unfavourable, that one but 

 little acquainted with the moors may wander for days, in places where they are most 

 abundant, and not see a single bird. 



When disturbed, the grouse flies low and heavily, rapidly vibrating its whirring 

 wings, and taking a direct course to some distant spot. It is not thus, however, that it 

 prevails when r(;ally alarmed, when the gun of the sportsman is lieard, or the hawk is 

 on the wing giving chase. It then flics with extreme rapidity and strength, inter- 

 rupting occa.sionally the rapid vibration of its whigs to sail ou them for a shorts space ; 

 and this it does more particularly when sweeping down parallel to the steep declivity of 

 a mountain. Heavy as the red grouse is, and comparatively short as arc its >vings, its 

 flight is capable of being long protracted, without any diminution of rapidity. 



Tlie male does not assist tlie I'emalo in the task of incubation, but yet he does not 

 forsake her. Ho waits to assist her in the care and protection of lier brood, and is cvi'u 

 assiduous in his attention.s. While running about, and as yet unable to Q.y, the young- 

 are exposed to many dangers, especially I'rom weasels, polecats, and liawks. I5ut the 

 parents are on the alert, ai'c bold in their defence, and practise various devices to entice 

 the intruder fii.iu llic s])ot wliere they lie crouching. 



• Tctroo Scoticiis.— Venn. 



