146 THE GROUSE IN HEALTH AND IN DISEASE 



The heaviest cock Grouse which came before the notice of the Committee 

 was one of exactly 30 ounces from Peebles. 



Macdonald, in "Grouse Disease," 1 says : " The Grouse in Scotland is a 

 larger and finer bird than that met with in England," a remark which the 

 above figures do not altogether uphold. 



Macpherson, in Fur and Feather Series, says : " The cock birds not infre- 

 quently weigh 28 or 28-J ounces in the north of England, when in first-rate 

 condition in every respect. Anything over 30 ounces is noteworthy, but a 

 weight of 32 ounces is not unprecedented." 1 



In Yarrell's "British Birds," 3 Red Grouse are said to be at their best, 

 both as regards weight and plumage, in November ; but this is only partly 

 true. Their best months are February, August, and December ; and one 

 may say they are at a fair level of condition in those months. 



1 Macdonald, " Grouse Disease," p. 103. 



2 Fur aud Feather Series, " The Grouse," p. 64. 



3 Yarrell, " British Birds," vol. iii. p. 77 (edited by Howard Saunders). Fourth Edition. London : 

 John Van Voorst, 1882-1884. 



