The Confessions of a Poacher. 119 



Grouse are exceedingly fond of oats, and in 

 the early morning the stocks are sometimes 

 almost black with them. A pot shot here 

 from behind a wall or fence is generally a 

 profitable one, as the heavy charge of shot is 

 sent straight at the " brown." Black-game 

 are as keen as red grouse on oats, and a few 

 sheaves thrown about always attracts them. 

 Although the blackcock is a noble bird in 

 appearance, he is dull and heavy, and is easily 

 bagged. Early in the season the birds lie 

 until almost trod upon, and of all game are the 

 easiest to net. They roost on the ground, and 

 usually seek out some sheltered brae-side 

 on which to sleep. If closely watched at 

 evening, it is not difficult to clap a silk net 

 over them upon the first favourable night, 

 when both mother and grown young are 

 bagged together. That there are gentlemen 

 poachers as well as casuals and amateurs, the 

 following incident relating to black - game 

 shows : " On a dull misty day they are easily 

 got at : they will sit on the thorn bushes 

 and alders, and let the shooter pick them off 



