GROUSE 



123 



not remain in the dripping heather, where their plumage 

 l^ecomes wet and heavy, and where the water is forced in 

 under their feathers by the soaking shoots of ling. They 

 consequently prefer situations where, although more rain 

 falls on them, it will run off again, and will not adhere or 

 penetrate to the same extent. Sitting thus in the open 



Tllh HIDOhN H\>D 



(jn bare patches of ground, 

 or on cairns of stones, 

 they naturally have a very 

 much better view of the 

 surrounding country, which, in their unsettled condition of 

 mind and body, renders them quick to take alarm at the 

 slightest cause. As the season advances, should wet weather 

 still continue, these dry and commanding situations soon 

 become more and more resorted to, till packs are formed 

 which may perhaps remain together through the rest of 

 the winter, unless it becomes more rigorous, when it is 

 not unusual for the whole stock of Grouse on a moor to 



