THE BLACK GROUSE 157 



for and win his brides. A handsome fellow he is, and his 

 rich glossy plumage shines with a healthy lustre in the dim 

 morning light — 



The Blackcock waked and faintly crew, 

 The Blackcock deemed it day and crew. 



It is indeed an interesting sight, and at no other time does 

 the plumage of this splendid bird show to such advantage 

 as on the pairing-ground, when the first rays of the morning 

 sun cause its pristine beauties to show out in all their rich 

 intensity. He looks round a moment as if half conscious 

 of your presence, and then busies himself with his own affairs. 

 Drawing himself up to his full height he struts proudly 

 about, now trailing his wings, and ever and anon erecting 

 and spreading his broad lyre-shaped tail, all the time in- 

 cessantly uttering his peculiar love song — 



In the clouds red tints are glowing, 

 On the hill the Blackcock's crowing. 



Now he springs into the air, turning halfway round as he 

 descends, then crouches to the ground, swells out his throat, 

 and in a dozen different ways strives to display his charms, 

 or give challenge to a rival. But your attention is soon 

 called away from him, for shortly another cock bird makes 

 his appearance. Another and another speedily arrive, and 

 all are soon engaged in the same strange antics; and see, 

 there are several females now, much less conspicuous in their 

 brown plumage. Now two males meet in this strange arena 

 and a combat takes place, the birds fighting with as much 

 zest as a couple of bantam cocks, and in much the same way, 

 the feathers falling thickly as the battle increases in fierce- 

 ness. The females are getting more interested every moment, 

 ready to bestow their favours on the victorious males, and run 

 to and fro with drooping wings, occasionally uttering a low 



