BLACKGAME 



103 



birds are known to resort to rest or feed during the day. 

 The ground is cleared of all the sticks and heather, and 

 thickly strewn with corn, etc., in the centre, which is 

 surrounded by a network of nooses, through which the 

 birds must endeavour to pass to get at the food. I have 



INSTANCE OF AN ADULT BLACKCOCK ASSUMING THE PLUMAGE OF THE GREYHEN. 



never seen this done myself, but have been told by keepers 

 that poachers often practise it with success, particularly 

 when Pheasants can be caught as well, and it is worth 

 their while to try for both. 



The adult plumage of the Blackcock begins to show 

 itself in the young bird about 20th August, and is com- 



