484 THE GROUSE IN HEALTH AND IN DISEASE 



long by 4 feet wide, and 4 feet 6 inches in height this height was essential to 



allow of the observers getting into the coops when it was necessary to 



handle the birds; but for those who wish to try the experiment of rearing 



Grouse for themselves 2 feet 6 inches or 3 feet would be an ample height. The 



coops were furnished with padlocked doors, and strong iron staples were driven into 



the ground holding the lower bar of the coop close to the ground ; this precaution 



is most important as, unless it is observed, small vermin such as weasels 



Vermin. 



and rats would get into the coops and disturb the Grouse. Even with 

 these precautions the Grouse on the experimental area have been much disturbed 

 by vermin, especially foxes, which abound in that part of Surrey ; these foxes 

 come prowling round the coops when the birds are sitting, frightening them off 

 their nests. In one case the death of a hen was attributed to a fox frightening 

 her when on the nest, and in her frantic efforts to escape she injured herself 

 against the sides of the coop. Dogs again have been a great trouble, disturbing 

 the birds at all hours by day as well as by night. 



Each coop is also furnished with a piece of tarpaulin, which can be used 

 as a shelter from heavy rain or hot sun as required. 



At first the coops containing the Grouse were moved on to fresh ground 

 every two days, being placed on the edges of the rides so as to cover about 

 Position 5 or 6 feet of young heather, and 2 or 3 feet of sheltering heather ; 

 of coops. j^ i a t er> w hen the Grouse increased in numbers, it became necessary, 

 on account of the labour involved, to move the coops less frequently, and it 

 was found that moving them once a week was quite often enough. In that case, 

 Supplying however, the birds had to be supplied with faggots or bunches of fresh 

 heather. heather for food at least every two days, and, better still, every day. 

 Later experience has shown that if these bunches of heather are tied in the 

 coops with the tops of the heather hanging downwards the birds eat it just 

 as well, and even better, than when thrown into the coops loose ; and the 

 heather does not become soiled by the birds standing on it. 



Another important point is the water supply. All drinking water must be 

 absolutely clean, and this has been ensured as far as possible by using 

 Hearson chicken water-fountains, which prevent the birds from soiling 

 the water. 



In 1906 very few Grouse were received. The results of the experiments on these 

 birds were noted in Dr Seligmann's report. At the end of that season 



1906 



four birds were left : of these, two were unfortunately killed by a fox, 



