THE black-cock's spel. 79 



what later, and continues until the end of May. But in 

 the far north, where the snow often covers the ground 

 until tlie sprini^ is far advanced, it naturally both begins 

 and terminates somewhat later. 



The birds repair over niglit to the vicinity of the " Ick- 

 stiille," where they assemble even before the first dawn of 

 day. One and all make their appearance at nearly the 

 same time. The number depends, of course, on their 

 abundance or scarcity in the neighbouring country. At 

 some pairing-grounds one sees, perhaps, less than half a 

 score, whilst at others there may he forty or fifty, or even 

 more. The hens are probably fully as numerous as the 

 cocks, but are less noticeable from keeping more in the 

 trees, and amongst the bushes. 



The spel of the Black-Cock consists of two notes, or 

 rather succession of sounds, called in Swedish huttra and 

 hJasa, the first being a sort of loud cooing, and the latter 

 a kind of hissing noise.* The s[)el of the Capercali, as 

 said, can only be heard at a comparatively shoi't distance; 

 but that of the Black-Cock is, in clear and calm weather, 

 audible a mile or more off. Some imagine that the bird, 

 during his spel, is incapable of hearing, and hence the 

 saying, Duf soni, en Orre i spelet, or " Deaf as a Black- 

 Cock during his spel." But this is not the case, for though, 

 when engaged in courting the ladies of his seraglio, he is 



■"■ When tlie Black-Cnck is provoked, or aflViglited, it ba.s a third note: 

 Krokokarn, which hy the poacher — in Swedisli Kryp-shytt (literally, 

 creeping shooter) — is interpreted as " crooked fellow," and expressly 

 intended for himself. 



In parts of Sweden the spel of the Black-Cock is looked on in the 

 light of a barometer. When, for instance, his spel is heard at an unusnal 

 season of the year, or time of day, a heavy downfall of rain or snow may 

 be expected ; and if in the immediate ^icinity of a village, a storm of wind 

 is at hand. If, again, he is heard to spel from the top of a pine, fine 

 weather may be anticipated ; but foul, if amongst the branches. 



