BLACK GROUSE. 



69 



first on record is the bird noticed by Gilbert White, of 

 Selborne, of which a coloured representation is given in 

 some of the editions of his work. The subject being then 

 new, the real character of that specimen was a matter of 

 doubt, till more recent experience, and other examples, 

 seemed to confirm its origin. In June, 1834, the late Mr. 

 Sabine called the attention of the members present at a 

 meeting of the Zoological Society to a specimen of a hybrid 

 bird, between the common Pheasant and the Grey-hen, 

 which was exhibited. Its legs w^ere partially feathered ; 

 it bore on the shoulder a white spot, and its middle tail- 

 feathers were lengthened. It was bred in Cornwall, and 

 belonged to Sir William Call (P. Z. S., 1834, p. 52). 



In 1835, the late Mr. T. C. Eyton, residing near Wel- 

 lington, Shropshire, sent up for exhibition to the Zoological 

 Society a hybrid bird between the cock Pheasant and the 

 Grey-hen, with a note, as follows : — " For some years past, 

 a single Grey-hen has been seen in the neighbourhood of 

 the Merrington covers, belonging to Robert A. Slaney, Esq., 



