THE FEATHERED GAME OF NORWAY. 167 
tween the black cock and the réy. The characteristic 
marks of either species are readily distinguishable in 
the hybrid. 
The Grovss* (Skov-rype) is, according to Nor- 
wegian naturalists, the same bird as the red grouse 
of the British Isles, the difference of plumage being 
only occasioned by the climate. I believe that Mr. 
Gould entertains the same opinion.+ 
Whether this circumstance is of itself sufficient to 
constitute a separate species, I do not feel competent to 
discuss ; but I believe that in the case of humming- 
birds, species are frequently distinguished with reference 
to the colour of the plumage only. 
The grouse in Norway commences to change colour 
in the spring, when the neck and half the breast assume 
a reddish hue. In winter the whole of the bird is 
white, and it may be remarked that the ‘ pinne’ are 
always white. Low scrub on the mountain-sides is the 
usual sort of ground for finding them. On some of the 
islands off the north-western coast they are extremely 
abundant. As they are in every respect exactly similar 
to the red grouse, the colour of the plumage alone 
excepted, it is needless to speak further about them. I 
would, however, strongly recommend any one who takes 
* It may be remarked that wherever ryper have been mentioned 
in the above pages, this species has been intended. 
+ I perceive, from a correspondent in the ‘ Field,’ that the British 
grouse has been introduced into Sweden; so that in lapse of time a 
solution of the question may be expected. 
