146 THE GROUSE IN HEALTH AND IN DISEASE 



The heaviest cock Grouse which came before the notice of the Committee 

 was one of exactly 30 ounces from Peebles. 



Macdonald, in " Grouse Disease," '■ says : " The Grouse in Scotland is a 

 larger and finer bird than that met with in England," a remark which the 

 above figures do not altogether uphold. 



Macpherson, in Fur and Feather Series, says : " The cock birds not infre- 

 quently weigh 28 or 28^ ounces in the north of England, when in first-rate 

 condition in every respect. Anything over 30 ounces is noteworthy, but a 

 weight of 32 ounces is not unprecedented." " 



In Yarrell's "British Birds," ^ Red Grouse are said to be at their best, 

 both as regards weight and plumage, in November ; but this is only partly 

 true. Their best months are February, August, and December; and one 

 may say they are at a fair level of condition in those months. 



^ Macdonald, " Grouse Disease," p. 103. 

 2 Fur aud Feather Series, " Tlie Grouse," p. 64. 



2 Yarrell, " Britisli Birds," vol. iii. p. 77 (edited by Howard Saunders). Fourth Edition. London : 

 John Van Voorst, 1882-1884. 



