BLACKGAME 



103 



l)irds are known to resort to rest or feed during the day. 

 The ground is cleared of all the sticks and heather, and 

 thickly strewn with corn, etc., in the centre, which is 

 surrounded by a netw^ork of nooses, through which the 

 birds must endeavour to pass to get at the food. I have 



INSTAXCE OF AN ADULT BLACKCOCK ASSUMING THE PLUMAGE OF THE GREYHEN. 



never seen this done myself, but have been told by keepers 

 that poachers often practise it with success, particularly 

 when Pheasants can l)e caught as well, and it is worth 

 their while to try for lioth. 



The adult plumage of the Blackcock begins to show 

 itself in the young bird about 20tli August, and is com- 



