552 MODERN FARRIER. 



lead to the capture of the young ones, one after 

 another ; for, in the beginning of the season, they 

 lie very close, particularly after hearing the report 

 of a gun, which terrifies them in such a degree that 

 they become insensible, and may be taken up with 

 the hand under the dog's nose : when this happens, 

 the ground should be carefully beaten. If much 

 rain should have fallen previous to the morning of 

 shooting, grouse will not lie, they will erect their 

 heads and run ; and the only chance the sportsman 

 has of getting v/ithin shot is to run also : but this 

 spoils the dogs, for when they see their master run, 

 they will also do the same. 



Grouse are very difficult to be netted, owing to 

 the straggling manner in which they lie, and their 

 habit of scattering on the approach of the sportsman 

 or the least noise. Two or three brace are the most 

 that can be taken at a time in this way, and very 

 seldom so many. Burning heath on the mountains, 

 as it is done chiefly in the spring, is very destructive 

 to grouse, as numerous nests are thereby destroyed. 

 There is an act of parliament against it ; but the 

 practice is winked at, on account of the benefit de- 

 rived therefrom by the owner of the mountain. 



As grouse are frequently sent to distant acquaint- 

 ances after being killed, particularly in hot weather, 

 it is with great difficulty they are kept sweet. Mr. 

 Thornhill recommends the follow iiig method of pre- 

 servation, which he declares to be the best hitherto 

 discovered : — ' Never draw your game, particularly 

 grouse ; that is, do not follow the usual directions of 

 taking out the entrails when you wish to send them 

 any distance. The best mode is not to pack them 

 till they are perfectly dry. First of all, procure 

 bladders, and put a brace or more in one, if the 

 bladder will contain them : tie the bladder tight 

 round the neck, and seal it with sealing wax, to 

 prevent the air from getting in ; and in this state, if 

 put into boxes, they will keep for three weeks if re- 



