BIRDS OF LOCH AND MOUNTAIN 25 



came upon perhaps half a dozen nests, from several 

 of which the young birds had just been hatched. 

 My Grouse was sitting obligingly close as usual, 

 but unfortunately I walked almost upon her before 



HEN GROUSE .COVERING CHICKS. 



I noticed her, and to my dismay she fluttered off 

 at my feet in a great state of alarm, and it was 

 well that she did so, for my next footstep would 

 have been right on the top of her. However, 

 hoping for the best, I walked on about half a mile, 

 and then lay and waited for her return. A pair of 



