ole BIRDS OF SOMERSETSHIRE. 
the bill of fare, and if there are any corn-fields 
within its reach it will repair to them to feed upon 
the grain. In the winter, Yarrell says he has found 
their crops distended with the tips of the most recent 
shoots of pines and firs. They do not appear to 
pair, but the males or Black Cocks in the breeding- 
season resort to some elevated and open spots, where 
they may be heard morning and evening repeating 
their call-note to the females, or “ Grey Hens,” as 
they are called. 
The Grey Hen places her eggs on the ground 
without much nest, but under cover of some tall 
and thick heather or fern, and to her is left the 
sole care of the eggs and young birds after they are 
hatched. 
The Black Grouse has been known to cross 
with the Pheasant, Capercaillie, Red Grouse and 
Ptarmigan. 
An old Black Cock in full plumage is a fine 
handsome fellow, the general colour of the plumage 
being a beautiful glossy blue-black, with a few 
conspicuous white spots; the beak is black; the 
irides dark brown; there is a spot of rough skin 
over the eyes of a bright scarlet colour; the head, 
neck, breast, back, rump and tail-coverts are a 
beautiful glossy blue black; the wing-coverts are 
brownish black, but not quite so glossy; there are a 
few white feathers on the shoulder making a con- 
spieuous white spot; the primary quills are brownish, 
