CAPERCALI STALKING. 55 



indeed, should the "pack" have been followed the whole 

 day, their flight is usually not extended to any distance. 



One's sport when thus stalking' Capercali depends 

 much on the state of the snow. Should this be loose 

 under foot, and one's movements in consequence con- 

 ducted in silence, and if there be much snow in the 

 trees, whereby the sight of the birds is obstructed, it is not 

 very difficult to approach them within rifle-range. But 

 if, on the contrary, there be a crust on the surface of the 

 snow — as after rain, or a partial thaw followed by 

 frost, is always the case — and if there be little or no snow 

 in the trees, it is far from easy to get near them. At 

 such times, indeed, from their vision being l)at little 

 impeded, and from their hearing the snow crackle under 

 the feet, the birds are constantly on the alert, and it is 

 rather by accident than otherwise that one succeeds in 

 obtaining a shot. 



The weather has also much to do with this sport. If 

 it be calm, the atmosphere thick, and a little snow falling, 

 the chances of success are greatly increased ; for the 

 Capercali then sit on the pines, with their feathers rufiied 

 up, and looking for all the Avorld like so many turkey- 

 cocks ; and even when disturbed they seldom fly far. 

 But if, on the other hand, the cold is intense, or if it 

 blows hard, the birds are frequently on the ground, 

 bui'ied beneath the snow, or so shrouded amongst the 

 lower or more umbrageous parts of the trees, as not to 

 be easily seen ; and Avhen they do take wing, they 

 frequently fly a very long way. 



Some management is requisite in stalking the 

 Capercali in the winter time, as, from their usually 

 frequenting the more open parts of the forest, suitable 

 cover is not always at hand to enable one to stalk them to 

 advantage. And it is more especially difficult to get witliin 

 range of a large pack ; for let the gunner take Avhat 



