CHAPTER XXIV. 



DAMAGE TO FORESTS. 



Extensive damage done by Capercaillies to woods and forests 

 is another sad thorn in many proprietors' sides. To hear some 

 speak of the awful destruction going on might almost lead one 

 to suppose that in bygone days the evil deeds of the species 

 brought its own punishment ; that, in fact, the Capercaillie 

 exterminated the forest growth over large areas of Scotland, 

 and that this extermination exterminated them in turn. In 

 many parts of the area at present inhabited by the birds, on 

 this account alone, they are shot down upon all occasions, in 

 the endeavour to reduce their numbers ; or, at all events, no 

 encouragement is given to them to increase. Twenty years 

 ago, when Capercaillies appeared on an estate, the greatest 

 care was taken to foster them. Now, it is usually different ; 

 and, where at all plentiful, they are shot, both sexes indis- 

 criminately ; and in some places, as we have seen in a former 

 section, very heavy bags are often made. I have, however, 

 sufficient faith in the robust character of the species to pre- 

 vent my becoming anxious lest a second extermination should 

 ever take place, if fair means only be used to keep its numbers 

 in check. 



I have in this connection endeavoured to collect inde- 

 pendent testimony from the best sources as to the nature and 

 amount of the damage done. Mr. Malcolm Dunn (who has 



