MOUNTAIN BIRDS 235 



was once not uncommon and widely distributed, it 

 is now both rare and local in its distribution. 



There is not sufficient cover on any of the higher 

 mountains for black-game, but the indigenous red 

 grouse is sparsely scattered up to above two thousand 

 five hundred feet, at which height it suddenly ceases. 

 These birds are somewhat less in size, and more 

 hardy than those on the lowland moors. They 

 rarely have more than six or seven young, generally 

 four or five. This is probably owing to the severe 

 climatic conditions with which they have to contend, 

 their spring and summer at this altitude being only 

 of about four months' duration. It is probable that 

 the number of grouse found on the higher ranges 

 may be very much kept in check by the great number 

 of carrion crows which everywhere exist among the 

 fells. These impale the eggs of the red grouse upon 

 their bills, and carry them away to eat at leisure. 

 Under some wall or rock great numbers of egg-shells 

 may often be found, testifying to the havoc which 

 these sable marauders commit. This bird is one of 

 the features of the fell fauna, and it is well known to 

 the dalesmen and shepherds, who give it a bad 

 character. In spite of much persecution, however, 

 it is still a common resident, keeping to the sheep- 

 walks in search of food and breeding among the 

 mountains. Although a great carrion feeder it 

 will kill weak and ailing lambs, picking out the eyes 



