APPENDIX G. 



ANALYSIS OF WEATHER CONDITIONS, ETC., DURING THE PERIOD OF THE INQUIRY. 



By A. S. Leslie and W. Berry. 



During each of the years 1906, 1907, 1908 the Committee have obtained exhaustive Reports. 

 on the conditions affecting the numbers and health of the Grouse stocks in different 

 districts of England, Scotland, and Wales. 



The main points dealt with in these Eeports were : — 



(1) Health and numbers of stocks at beginning of year. 



(2) Weather in breeding season. 



(3) Success or failure of breeding season. 



(4) Food supply throughout the year. 



(5) Eesults of season as evidenced by bags. 



(6) Health and numbers of stocks at end of year. 



It was hoped that, by making a careful collation of facts extending over a considerable 

 period, it might be possible to learn, with some approach to accuracy, which of the various 

 natural conditions had the most marked effect upon the health and reproductive powers- 

 of the Grouse ; especially it was hoped that some light might be thrown upon such 

 problems as the following : — 



(1) What are the conditions of weather and food supply during the winter which tend 



to ensure a healthy and vigorous stock at the commencement of the breeding season ? 



(2) Are the reproductive powers of the stock most noticeably affected by the health of 



the birds themselves, or by the character of the weather which they experience in. 

 the breeding season ? In other words will a healthy stock breed successfully in spite 

 of adverse weather conditions, or would a better result be obtained from a less robust 

 stock provided the weather in the pairing, sitting, and hatching seasons is ideal ? 



(3) What are the ideal weather conditions required to ensure a successful breeding season ? 



(4) What are the ideal weather conditions required to ensure a good food supply ? 



(5) What are the ideal weather conditions required to ensure that the chicks when 



hatched will live to maturity ? 



(6) What are the weather conditions usually associated with mortality from Strongylosis ? 



(7) What are the weather conditions usually associated with mortality from Coccidiosis ? 



(8) What connection, if any, can be established between the food supply of one year and 



the health of the stock in the following year ? 

 The Eeports obtained on these and other matters are full of detail, and reflect the greatest 

 VOL. II. 113 H 



