112 EEMIXISCENCES OF A SPORTSMAX. 



tall ling, but chiefly in marshy ground mixed with the 

 candleberry myrtle (sweet gale). In these places are 

 also found snipes, and between the two the dogs and 

 the shooter are often deceived. From thence they run 

 into the ling, and then along the edges of fir or birch 

 wood or corn ground. The old black cocks are fre- 

 quently found by the side of the hills in the long ling, 

 at some distance from cover, and we once found seven 

 together in very deep ling on the edge of the beautiful 

 lake Loch- Awe, belonging to the Earl of Breadalbane ; 

 six of these birds were killed. Another time, when 

 shooting in company with the Marquis of Lorn, eighteen 

 were seen together, but were so wild that there was no 

 possibility of getting near them." These birds will live 

 and thrive in menageries, but have never been known 

 to breed in a confined state. It is a curious fact that 

 cherries and pease are fatal to black game. 



