WINTEE SKETCHES. 



CHAPTER XXXIV. 



Grouse ; Hardiness of Difference of Climate in Morayshire 

 Migratory habits of Partridges Grubs, etc., destroyed by 

 Pheasants Ptarmigan Ptarmigan-shooting during Winter 

 An Expedition to the Mountains Early start Tracks 

 of Otters Otter-hunting Stags Herons Golden-eyes 

 Wild-cat Mallards Tracks of Deer Gray Crows Eagle 

 Shepherd's hut Braxy Mutton Ascent of the Mountain 

 Ptarmigan Change in the weather Dangerous situation 

 Violent Snowstorm Return home Wild -duck shooting 

 Flapper-shooting. 



GROUSE, although frequenting high and exposed 

 situations, are perhaps less affected by a moderate 

 fall of snow than partridges or any other game. A 

 hardy and a mountain-bred bird, the grouse cares 

 little for cold ; and although the hillside may be 

 covered with snow, by digging and burrowing he 

 soon arrives at the heather, and thus obtains both 

 food and shelter ; and in weather which makes the 

 partridge cower and mope most disconsolately 

 under any shelter it can find, the grouse-cock, with 

 his well-clothed legs and feet, struts and crows on 



