n6 Practical Game Preserving. 



in fact, any place where sun and warmth predominate, and 

 where vermin and intruders are unknown. Should such 

 a place be decided on, the matter of shelter is easily met, 

 but on the open moor the case is altered. The vicinity 

 of a small lodge or house would be a source of protection, 

 and the coops containing the youngsters could be moved so 

 as always to benefit by it ; while a supply of 5ft. to 6ft. 

 wattle hurdles must not be overlooked as a means of ward- 

 ing off the wind, the rain, and the cold. 



The instructions which we gave with regard to setting 

 pheasants' eggs hold good, in a great degree, for those of 

 red grouse. Thirteen or fifteen eggs are the best number 

 to set, and a hen of the usual kind should be placed in the 

 hatching box, shown at Fig. 4, page 28, on a clod of turf; 

 the box should be protected further by being placed either 

 beneath a temporary shelter of boards along a hedge, or 

 have a cover about 2ft. 6in. by 3ft. placed over it slantwise, 

 so as to keep off wind and rain, without closing up the 

 box completely. If any number of sittings are being brought 

 off at once, it is best to employ the hatching box, Fig. 3, 

 page 27, set several of them in a row beside the hedge, and put 

 up a shelter roof pro tern. Incubation occupies about twenty- 

 four days, and as soon as one brood is hatched off, it must 

 be removed to the place where it is proposed to complete 

 the process of rearing. It is a great advantage if there be 

 a small stream of water trickling near, but the ground 

 must always be dry. The chicks require no confinement 

 with the hen after the first day or two, and may be left 

 to look after themselves as far as food is concerned, which 

 they will pick up anywhere. It is advisable to note, how- 



