INTRODUCTORY 3 



that law of nature, universal among wild 

 beasts and fishes as well as birds, where- 

 by they are better enabled not only 

 to support their daily existence, but 

 to shield themselves from attack and 

 destruction. 



It is proposed here to refer to the an- 

 tiquity of sport in our country, and its 

 gradual rise to the dimensions and import- 

 ance it holds in the present day. The 

 extent, management, and value of grouse 

 moors will also be noticed ; and the habits 

 of grouse in health and disease. The 

 mysterious ailment, popularly known as 

 the grouse disease, which periodically 

 attacks this game-bird, with decimating 

 virulence, and is at present the subject of 

 scientific investigation by a committee of 

 experts under the Board of Agriculture 

 and Fisheries, will also receive some 

 notice. Some observations will likewise 

 be made on measures for the protection of 

 grouse ; on heather and heather-burning ; 

 and on the vexed question whether grouse 

 do better, and are more numerous, when 



