THE PTARMIGAN. 355 



Apparently gentle yet untameabie. 



dark. The spirit was, however, at last happily 

 removed, by some gentlemen sending their game- 

 keepers into the wood by moonlight, who soon 

 discovered and killed the harmless ptarmigan. 



These birds are so stupid, as often to suffer 

 themselves without any difficulty to be knocked 

 on the head, or to be driven into any snare that 

 is set for them. They frequently stretch ont 

 their neck, apparently in curiosity, and remain 

 otherwise unconcerned, while the fowler takes 

 aim at them : when frightened they fly off; but 

 immediately after aligbt, and stand staring at 

 their foe. When the hen-bird is killed, it is said 

 that the male will not forsake her, but may then 

 also be killed with great ease. So little alarmed 

 are they at the presence of mankind, as even to 

 bear driving like poultry : yet, notwithstanding 

 this apparent gentleness of disposition, it is im- 

 possible to domesticate them ; for, when caught, 

 they refuse to eat, and always die soon after- 

 wards. Their voice, which is very extraordinary, 

 they do not often exert but in the night. They 

 form their nests on the ground, in dry ridges; 

 and lay from six to ten dusky eggs with reddish- 

 brown spots. 



The usual method of taking these birds is in 

 nets made of twine, twenty feet square, connected 

 to four poles, and propped with sticks in front. 

 A long line is fastened to these, the end of which 

 is held by a person who lies concealed at a dis- 

 tance. Several people drive the birds within 



