92 BIRD-LIFE OF THE BORDERS. 



trailing — truly a most reaiarkable spectacle in October. 

 AVhether it is merely a chronological miscalculation, or arises 

 from some specific cause, the origin of which may be lost in 

 the mists of the remote past, the instinct certainly exists, 

 and, for want of a better name, I will coin the word 

 " pseudo-erotism," to designate it. Nor is it confined to 

 Blackgame. Grouse conspicuously, and Golden Plover to a 

 certain extent, are afi'ected by " pseudo-erotic " instincts ; 

 and we all know how busily Rooks destroy and repair their 

 nests in November. I have also noticed small Gulls in that 

 mouth, apparently Black-headed Gulls, revisiting their moor- 

 land breeding haunts. So strong is this instinct in Black- 

 game, that in December, when the snow lay a foot deep, 

 I have observed the young cocks (which had then apparently 

 arrived at maturity) similarly dancing around and among a 

 pack of grey, the latter as usual apparently utterly heedless 

 of the performance, though I should add it was not nearly so 

 " impressive " as that of the old cocks in October and 

 November. 



During the concluding months of the year the habits of 

 Blackgame do not materially alter, except as they are in- 

 fluenced by the weather. They are now firmly established 

 on the high moors, and we have in Northumberland a con- 

 siderable immigration at this period, probably from the 

 higher bleak fells about the Scottish border, and from their 

 great strongholds in the wild hills of Roxburghshire, 

 Selkirk, &c. It is no unusual occurrence to see more Black- 

 game on Dec. 10 than could have been seen at any previous 

 period of the season. They now select certain fixed haunts, 

 usually some high flat-topped ridge, where patches of short 

 sweet grass are interspersed among the heather, to which 

 they constantly resort, and where perhaps thirty or forty 

 Blackcock and a great number of grey may always be found. 

 Heavy gales of wind and rain-storms often drive the Black- 

 game oft" the hills at this season to the shelter of the wooded 

 valleys and cleughs below — but not always ; for in attempt- 

 ing to describe the habits of birds, it is difficult to lay down 

 absolute rules. So many and such varied causes (some 

 perhaps unknown, or impalpable to us) affect their habits 

 and movements, that it is unsafe to write dogmatically. 



