SECTION II 

 THE SPORTSMAN'S QUARRY 



CHAPTER VI THE GAME-BIRDS 



Great Bustard Capercaillie Black Grouse Red Grouse 

 Ptarmigan. 



THE GREAT BUSTARD. (Otis tarda.) 



THIS bird formerly occupied a far more important 

 position on the British game-list than, unfor- 

 tunately, it can be said to do at the present time. In 

 the process of civilizing this Britain of ours, many 

 benefits have been conferred upon the community. 

 Still, one cannot but regret that this should have neces- 

 sitated the sweeping away of certain aboriginal animals, 

 some amongst which were of first importance to the 

 sportsman. The Great Bustard is a case in point, the 

 last of the native race having long ago disappeared 

 before the steady advance of the plough and other 

 implements of the farmer. 



The male bustard is a handsome bird of truly mag- 

 nificent proportions. Fully adult male bustards have 

 frequently been shot weighing 30 Ib. and more, with 

 a total length measurement of 45 to 48 inches, and a 

 wing-stretch, in some cases, of eight feet from tip to tip. 



107 i 



