PARTRIDGE 241 



brethren less favourably situated in a level country. 

 This, however, must not be taken to mean that sport 

 on the level is much inferior to that obtainable on hilly 

 land. Excellent shooting may be had from coverts 

 situated on the flat, provided the timber is of good 

 growth and the pheasants are made to rise well. 



Owing to the hardiness of the pheasant and its ability 

 to withstand the rigours of winter as experienced in 

 North Britain, this fine game-bird is being extensively 

 introduced into most suitable coverts in Scotland. In 

 fact where the woods are unsuitable steps are taken to 

 rectify defects. Many existing woods, probably large 

 and rambling in character, are not too well adapted for 

 the purposes of pheasant-shooting. These will have to 

 be carefully overlooked and divided in sections or beats 

 by cutting rides through them, and in carrying this out 

 due regard must be had to the selection of suitable 

 positions in which to post the guns. This choice of 

 stands is an important matter, as upon the wisdom or 

 otherwise of the selection will the whole character of the 

 future sport depend, this choice greatly influencing the 

 question as to whether high or low pheasants can be sent 

 over the guns. Already the fear has been expressed 

 that the over-production of pheasants in North Britain 

 may exert a baneful influence upon the indigenous 

 game-birds. It is not altogether improbable that it will 

 have the effect largely of banishing both capercaillie and 

 black game from their accustomed haunts. 



