BLACK GAME. 211 



and rocks ; but Blackcock frequent trees, and obtain 

 much of their food from them, roosting in them at night, 

 especially in pines, larches and hollies. In autumn it 

 may frequently be seen on the stubbles, or amongst 

 growing corn. The Blackcock is almost exclusively a 

 vegetarian : seeds, tender shoots of heather, pine needles, 

 buds, berries, and various kinds of ground fruits forming 

 its daily fare according to season. In severe weather it 

 will even eat the leaves of the polypody fern and the 

 shoots of turnips. In heavy snowstorms it frequently 

 buries itself in a soft snowdrift, burrowing deep under the 

 surface, only leaving its shelter to feed. For the greater 

 part of the year the Blackcock is a peaceable bird ; but 

 in March and April an incessant warfare is carried on 

 for the possession of the hens. Like the Pheasant, it is 

 polygamous ; and certain spots are chosen in its haunts 

 which serve as battle-fields for all the cocks in the 

 vicinity. It is an interesting sight to watch the birds in 

 these arenas engaged in knightly tournament. In the 

 half-light of early morning the manoeuvres commence. 

 The old cocks strut about the battle-field with outspread 

 tails and drooping wings, uttering a peculiar cooing and 

 hissing note, and showing themselves off to the best 

 advantage before the lady Grouse, who sit or stand 

 around the combatants. Rivals come into the arena 

 and fierce battles are fought, the weakest birds being 

 beaten off; but the combats cease as the sun mounts 



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