Northern Observations of Inland Birds 283 



bent allotments, on which it was impossible to approach 

 them, albeit there was an abundance of good cover. 

 They rose wildly and flew back to the moor immediately 

 one climbed the boundary wall, perhaps two or three 

 hundred yards distant, nor is it to be wondered at since 

 their dark plumage stood out conspicuously against 

 the dried grass. 



Many efforts have been made to introduce the grouse 

 into Norway, but, so far as I know, without good results. 

 They simply disappear, even though there be an abundance 

 of food for them, and the climatic conditions are not so 

 severe but that so hardy a bird might survive. The 

 probable explanation is that the grouse are well aware 

 that their colouring does not harmonize with the un- 

 broken whiteness of their new habitat, and so they 

 immediately migrate, in all probability perishing ere they 

 reach more congenial quarters. 



The immense value of this bird is not generally realized 

 south of the Tweed, for the part it plays, at any rate 

 in the prosperity of the Highlands, is truly enormous. 

 Land proprietors are dependent upon their grouse moors 

 for the maintenance of their estates ; cotters and crofters 

 obtain good hire for their ponies from the wealthy 

 Sassenach during the grouse shooting season, while the 

 Highland housewife obtains better prices for her eggs 

 and butter during their visits. One has only to visit 

 Perth Station almost any time after August 10 in order 

 to realize that the railway companies profit much by the 

 existence of the red grouse, while hotel keepers and 

 tradesmen of all kinds throughout grouse country reap a 

 rich harvest from those who indulge in the sport. 



There are also sentimental reasons why this bird 

 should be highly treasured by British sportsmen, for 

 it is the most British of all our game birds, indeed, the 

 only one which is entirely and exclusively British. 



