BLACKGAME 75 



Capercaillie do when several cocks are fighting at the 

 same time. AVith Blackcocks it all is perfectly fair, 

 Queensberry rules being strictly adhered to. 1 



At intervals during each separate fight Blackcocks 

 emit a most curious call ; it is a hoarse screech, resem- 

 bling the noise that is too painfully familiar to us, namely, 

 that of cats at night on the house-tops, supplemented 

 by the said animals being afflicted with sore throats. 

 The sound is both wild and unmusical in the extreme. 



We will suppose that the observer has come early on 

 the scene, before the Greyhens have made their appearance. 

 The approach of one of the latter is the signal for an 

 immediate cessation of hostilities on all sides, and intense 

 excitement prevails amongst the assembled Blackcocks. 

 Her approach has been observed by a single bird, who 

 has been sharper than the rest in detecting the lady 

 afar off. If you are at the moment watching him, you 

 will see him suddenly draw himself up to a rigid position 

 of attention, till he is sure she is really coming. Having 

 settled this in his mind to his own satisfaction, he throws 

 himself into the air, and flutters up a few feet, uttering 

 the while his hoarse note with all the power and effect he 

 can muster. This is, of course, done to impress the lady 

 in his favour, and arouse in her breast a proper sense of 

 admiration which he considers his due. His example is 



1 In the immediate foreground of the Blackcock tournament sketch 

 will be noticed three birds in their most characteristic positions. The 

 bird with lowered head and arched back is in position of defence, facing 

 one advancing to the attack, whilst the third, anxious to fight also, dances 

 round the combatants and though desirous of engaging the bird on the 

 defensive, is yet too much of a gentleman to attack him whilst occupied 

 with another. 



