BREEBING. 2o 



Michaelmas ; but his spel at that time is not of long con- 

 tinuance. I myself never then heard him spel ; but many 

 a chasseur has assured me that they have shot him 

 whilst in full play. The Jacjmdstare Lindberg tells us, 

 indeed, that he himself has known more than twenty 

 cocks to be thus shot in the autumn — the greater part of 

 them in September, but some also in October. Why the 

 Capercali should spel at this time of the year is matter of 

 speculation with many in Sweden. M. Greiff suggests it 

 may be for the pux'pose of showing tlie young birds the 

 situation of the " lek-stillle." 



During the pairing season the Capercali is very pug- 

 nacious, and fierce combats are tlien common between the 

 rival males. These always take place on the ground, and 

 for the most part on some little eminence, free from 

 brushwood or other obstruction. The birds when charging 

 each other sj)ring high in the air, in the manner of game- 

 cocks ; and, whilst striking with their w ings, tear one 

 another with their claws. Their bills are also brought 

 into play, and he that succeeds in getting such fast hold 

 of his opponent as to pin him to the ground, in which 

 position he punishes him severely, usually comes off the 

 victor. "Whilst the fight lasts — and it is often of long con- 

 tinuance — the combatants not unfrequently snap their bills 

 together with great force, the noise of Aviiich, togetlier 

 with that caused bv the blows inflicted with their winos, 

 may, in clear and calm weather, be heard at a very con- 

 siderable distance. 



During these duels the birds are not unfrequently so 

 blinded by rage as to be altogether forgetful of their own 

 safety ; and if due precaution be used, they may then l)e 

 captured by the hand, of which more thau one instance 

 is on record. 



" Some years ago," says Ekstrom, " a servant of 

 mine, in company with another man, left home one spring 



