110 IN CAPTIVITY. 



possible, however, that from similarity of appearance 

 between the Grey-Hen and the Rackel-Hona, especially 

 in the early part of the season, when the plumage of the 

 poults is not properly developed, I may occasionally have 

 killed a Rackel-Hona without being aware of its identity. 



Owing to the scarcity of the Rackel-Fogel, their habits, 

 when in a wild state, are but little known. But Professor 

 Nilsson, in the second edition of his valuable work on the 

 Scandinavian Fauna, has favoured us with some observa- 

 tions on a Eackel-Hane that he had in confinement f6r a 

 considerable time. 



" He is more dull than lively. For the most part he 

 will sit for a whole day on his perch in a passive attitude, 

 with his tail hanging down, his feathers somewhat ruffled, 

 and his eyes closed. He is, nevertheless, wild and shy. 

 Towards people who approach his coop, he evinces more 

 shyness than malice ; but to small animals and birds that 

 come near him, or attempt to purloin his food, he dis- 

 plays an exceedingly angry and spiteful temper. About 

 March, when he puts on his beautiful summer plumage, 

 he is more vicious than usual. Towards the end of that 

 month, or early in April, when fine weather sets in, he 

 commences his spel. In this, however, he never 

 indulges at an early hour in the morning, but only in 1 he- 

 day time, both before and after noon. His moulting 

 commences about July, and continues for a long period. 

 His food consists of red whortleberries and other forest 

 berries, when obtainable; but he is also fond of apples 

 chopped up small, cabbages, and various vegetables, as 

 well as of barley and the seeds of the spruce pine." 



The llackel-Fogel are not believed to breed amongst 

 themselves. This may, indeed, be interred from the 

 Rackel-Hane not having a Lek of his own, but always 

 n-Mirting to those of the Capercali and the Black-Cock, 

 where, however. <>\\ini: to liis ferocity and quarrelsome 



