202 RED GROUSE. 



(Calluna vulgaris) and the heaths (Erica cinerea and Erica Tetralix) 

 flourish, and where the whortle-berries ( Vaccimtwi Myrtillus and 

 Vttis-idcea) grow freely. These uncultivated lands abound in 

 Scotland, and there the Red Grouse is so plentiful as to get its 

 specific name. (It would abound in Ireland too, if that unhappy 

 country knew its own interests !) Such districts suit it so well that 

 it requires but little protection from its natural enemies, the 

 Buzzards, Hawks, Ravens, Crows, foxes, martins, and polecats. 

 Sportsmen kill thousands upon thousands annually, without 

 lessening the stock ; they not only keep their natural enemies in 

 check, but a more dangerous one still, the winter poacher ; they 

 also provide food for the birds during the severe weather of winter, 

 and thus may be said to produce the great numbers they kill. The 

 most dangerous enemies of the Grouse are the Crow, and the 

 Hooded Crow. These cunning birds not only beat the moors for 

 the eggs of the Grouse, which they are very clever in finding, but 

 they are ever on the watch for the small shrill chirp the young 

 chick gives, on escaping from the shell. It is the signal for a 

 delicate feast to the Crow, and down he pounces, drives off the old 

 birds, and devours all the brood he can catch, and also any eggs 

 that remain unhatched. 



Red Grouse vary very much in size and plumage, and it is said 

 that game dealers can give a good guess, from their appearance, at 

 the localities from which they come. Grouse are plentiful on all the 

 ranges of the Black Mountains, and the late Hon. Humphrey 

 B. Devereux, of The Highwood, Leominster, said that a season 

 seldom passed, without his finding some wandering birds on 

 Bircher Common, near the middle of the county. The Red 

 Grouse on the Black Mountains, are larger in size and lighter in 

 colour, than those from the Scotch Moors. 



The Red Grouse, unlike its congener the Willow Grouse, does 

 not perch on trees. Grouse are easily approached before the 

 shooting season begins ; 



The Moor-cock startled with a sudden cry 

 Springs from beneath my feet. 



Prinoe. 



