108 BRITISH BIRDS, THEIR EGGS AND NESTS. 
still remains, but of much more frequent occurrence in more 
northerly localities. In fact, the gradual and very complete 
demolition of the last remains of what were once very extensive 
forests has completely banished the Black Grouse from places 
where it used to be common within the memory of living men. 
It is a very handsome bird, and like the Capercailly and 
the Pheasant, does not pair. The hen makes a very slight nest 
on the ground, and lays in it seven to nine or ten eggs, of a some- 
what less warm ground-shade than those last named, but with 
larger and brighter-coloured spots and blotches.—/g. 4, plate VI. 
154. RED GROUSE—(Lagopus Scoticus.) 
Red Ptarmigan, Red Game, Moor Game, Muir-fowl, Moor- 
bird.—A beautiful bird indeed, and peculiar to the British 
Islands. The Grouse moors, however, are mainly confined to 
the northern counties of England and Scotland. In the district 
in which this is written the Grouse may be truly said to abound, 
and I hear them continually from my garden or open window.* 
These birds do pair, and pair very early indeed moreover, I 
have frequently seen them in pairs before the season for killing 
them, which expires on December 10, is fully out. Ifthe weather 
becomes severe this union often seems to be annulled; but I don’t 
think it is in reality. In the earlier spring, when the pairing is 
becoming general, many fierce battles among the males may be 
seen going on, and very resolute and lengthened and circuitous 
flights of one in pursuit of another occur. The nest is very 
slight, of ling and bents chiefly, and usually well concealed in a 
tuft of heather. From six or seven up to twelve or fifteen eges 
are said to be laid, but I should say that the highest average, 
judging from the number of young birds in a brood, very rarely 
* For a detailed series of observations on the habits, &¢., of the Grouse, 
see “Sketches in Natural History,” Routledge & Co. 
