54 GAME PEESERYEES AND BIED PEESEEYEES. 



Western Highlands, but we know but little 

 about tliem. 



The buzzard is the next largest bird of prey, 

 and it will also liYe a good deal on carrion, and 

 is easily trapped. It will also rob the falcon of his 

 prey, the latter making no objection; in fact, 

 rather liking the fun of catching another bird. 

 It takes but few grouse except when they are 

 young ; but, ' small blame to it,' it is only be- 

 cause it cannot catch them, unless it takes them 

 by surprise. It will snatch a grouse from her 

 nest, or a grey hen from the ground as she sits 

 cowering over her little ones to cover them 

 from the pelting of some sudden storm. Their 

 legs and wings are found round their nests. 

 Do people realise the sufferings of these young- 

 birds when their mothers are taken? They 

 call and call, for they are so sure she will return. 

 She always has when she has had to leave them 

 before when the shepherd or his dog have come 

 too near. But the cruel cold night comes 

 down upon them, and their httle calls get 



