210 SHOOTING. 



do the young birds suffer, for the same reason ; and it will take 

 something more, in the shape of argument, than an inconsiderate 

 assertion, or the dictum of ignorance, to convince reasonableness 

 that the case is not precisely the same with grouse. The moun- 

 tains distinguished by the name of Westhope-fells, Westmor- 

 land, are remarkably wet, and for this reason, (according to the 

 prevalent notion,) as the season (1820) had been uncommonly dry, 

 they should have produced an abundance of game, or, at least, 

 much more than other mountains, which were equally remarkable 

 forbeingdry. This was not the case; for, on the 13th of August, 

 when we ranged Bollyhope-fells, which are very dry, I found the 

 grouse much more abundant, in the proportion of four to one. 



As grouse, however, are found only in particular parts of the 

 country, the pursuit of these fine birds is by no means so general 

 as partridge shooting. Grouse are out of the reach of Cockney 

 sportsmen : though many tradesmen resident in large towns, con- 

 trive to enjoy, now and then, the pursuit of the partridge, they 

 seldom venture upon a grouse shooting excursion, on account 

 of the distance, perhaps, as well as the expense necessarily at- 

 tendant upon it. The highlands of Scotland abound in grouse ; 

 they are also found on the Wehh mountains, and in Ireland ; 

 in ths north of England, in Lancashire, Derbyshire, Stafford- 

 shire, and other contiguous places, especially among the moors 

 and mountains of Yorkshire, where these birds are found in suf- 

 ficient numbers to afford excellent diversion. For several weeks 

 prior to the 12th of August, dog-carts may he frequently seen 

 on the road to the north, laden with that sagacious animal which 

 so essentially contributes to the success of the chase ; and, as the 

 time approaches, equipages on a smaller scale may be observed 

 in great numbers, all directing their course to the scene of action. 

 About the 10th or 1 1th, the roads become crowded with sports- 

 men and their attendants, who travel principally in gigs, in the 

 bottom of which is generally seen a convenient receptacle for 



