CHAPTER XXIII. 



RELATIONS BETWEEN CAPERCAILLIES AND PHEASANTS. 



Not only are Capercaillies accused of driving away black 

 game, but in some localities (thougb not generally, as far as I 

 can learn) they are said to drive away the pheasants from the 

 feeding boxes and themselves feed upon the Indian corn. 

 This is induced, no doubt, simply by the force of constant 

 example set before them, and it only proves how easily our 

 big friend can adapt himself to circumstances like a good 

 colonist, as he undoubtedly is. Moreover, the Capercaillie, 

 exercising his gifts still further, sometimes takes possession 

 of a comfortably formed pheasant's nest — according to several 

 correspondents — as, they say, three or four pheasant's eggs are 

 found at times in nests occupied by Capercaillies. But I 

 should doubt if in most cases such occupation by the Caper- 

 caillie is premeditated, and I would not be surprised to 

 learn that some day or other some observant naturalist will 

 report the fact, that the hen pheasant is really the aggressor, 

 and second occupier of the nest. Supposing, however, that 

 the Capercaillie really is the aggressor, how often does it 

 happen, and what amount of harm is done ? A CapercailKe 

 hen, intent on preparing a summer home, we will suppose, 

 wanders about in search of a suitable position, and stumbles 

 upon a hollow in every way suited to her requirements. ' A 

 hen pheasant having covered over her two or three eggs with 



