20 NATURAL HISTORY OF THE GROUSE 



strip of broken moorland lying under the shadow of 

 the Coolin Hills ; the eggs are almost always laid 

 about the same spot, and generation after generation 

 of downy chicks enter into existence on the same 

 patch of heather and rough grass. It is the same 

 with the ptarmigan that nestles up in the lonely 

 corrie above Sligachan. I have seen the nests of 

 two seasons placed side by side on a slope of green 

 turf, screened from observation by the same con- 

 venient boulders of rock. Indeed, I could tell you 

 where to find the nest of the greenshank and many 

 another rare bird, knowing from long intimacy with 

 their haunts precisely the positions that these birds 

 are likely to occupy in successive seasons. This 

 principle applies as truly to the red grouse as to 

 other birds, making allowance for the destruction of 

 old females in the shooting season. On my own 

 ground, at any rate, I have a very good idea where 

 to look for grouse nests, although I never search for 

 them intentionally, but only 'stumble upon them inci- 

 dentally. No good sportsman would wish to organise 

 a hunt for grouse nests. The grouse is a very par- 

 ticular bird, and often deserts her eggs if suddenly 

 startled from her charge. Of course, there are many 

 hen grouse which would rather allow themselves to be 

 trodden upon than leave their eggs, and their faithful- 



