* GAME BIRDS. 113 



of flying. The dog eagerly pursues, expecting every moment to 

 catch her, but when she has drawn him a sufficient distance from 

 her treasure, she puts forth her powers and leaves her astonished 

 pursuer to follow her with his eyes. 



Grouse shooting is very laborious, particularly in such moun- 

 tains as the sportsman is a stranger to. As the season is generally 

 the hottest in the year, it becomes necessary to be clothed accord- 

 ingly. The lighter the dress the better, taking care at the same 

 time, to let the garments next the skin chiefly consist of flannel. 

 Flannel, so capable of retaining warmth, is the most effectual non- 

 conductor of heat, and the person who habituates himself to wear 

 it, will experience no increase of heat in summer, on that account ; 

 at the same time, nothing will so effectually absorb the moisture 

 which arises from excessive perspiration, and, consequently, better 

 prevent taking cold. Those who dislike flannel should adopt 

 calico ; linen becomes unpleasant, as adhering to the back, after 

 excessive heat. Easy, short boots, laced, are the best wear. While 

 in a heat, sportsmen should be cautious as to the use of cold water ; 

 fatal consequences have frequently arisen from it. The Highland 

 pony is frequently made to lessen the fatigue of grouse shooting, 

 being trained to stand still while the sportsman takes his aim and 

 shoots. In bad weather the grouse will be found at the foot of 

 the mountains ; if changeable, at about midway on the hills ; and 

 if fine, they will be found near the tops. 



These birds go to water immediately after their morning flight, 

 which is the proper time to begin a day's diversion. From that 

 time till the extreme heat of the day comes on, good sport may be 

 obtained, also from three o'clock till sunset. At mid-day, the grouse 

 creep under the deep roots, to shelter themselves from the excessive 

 heat of the sun ; at the same time they will be often found in 

 mossy places. Give your dogs the wind, and try the sides of the 

 mountains which are most sheltered ; if it blow hard, you will 

 find them under the longest heath, from which, if raised, they 

 frequently take long flights, and, for the most part, down the 

 wind, contrary to most other birds. 



On finding a pack of grouse, the old cock is generally the first 

 that makes his appearance, and the first to take wing. If he has 

 not been much disturbed, he will run out before the dogs, making 

 a clucking noise, and will frequently get up and challenge, with- 

 out any symptoms of fear for himself; by this he warns the hen 

 ,and poults, who immediately begin to run and separate. The hen 

 generally runs as fast as she can from you, in order to draw your 

 attention from the poults ; and if the poults are strong enough 



