S.5fi NATURALIST'S CABINET. 



Methods of taking them. 



reach of the net; which is then pulled down, and 

 is often found to cover fifty or sixty of them. 

 They are in such plenty in the northern parts of 

 America, that upwards of ten thousand are fre- 

 quently caught for the use of the Hudson's-bay 

 settlement, between November and May. 



The Laplanders take these birds by means of 

 a hedge formed with the branches of birch trees, 

 and having small openings at certain intervals 

 with a snare in each. The ptarmigans are 

 tempted to feed on the buds and catkins of the 

 birch; and whenever they endeavour to pass 

 through the openings, they are instantly caught. 



These birds are excellent food; being said to 

 taste so like the common grous, as to be scarcely 

 distinguishable from it. 



END OF VOL. HI. 



