334- BLACK GROUSE. 



upon the mountains, is said to be diminishing the 

 numbers. The black cocks are more frequently found 

 in the woods than the red grouse, though the moors, 

 with a difference of elevation, be the favourite abodes 

 of both. Their food is also similar ; consisting of 

 mountain-berries, the tops of heath, and the buds of 

 pine and other Alpine trees. Though they seek their 

 food in the open places during the day, they, where 

 they have the accommodation of trees, perch during 

 the night, like pheasants. It is chiefly during the 

 winter months, however, and the early parts of spring, 

 when all food, save the tops of the pines, is hidden 

 under the snow, that they do that ; for when the breed- 

 ing season commences, they assemble on the tops of 

 the mountains and highest parts of the moors, but 

 never higher than they can find heath; the young 

 shoots and embryo blossoms of which are at that time 

 their principal food. 



Some parts of their character resemble that of 

 common poultry. They do not pair; but when the 

 breeding season commences, the cocks ascend to the 

 tops of the mountains, and clap their wings and crow ; 

 to which call the females answer, by making their 

 appearance, and uttering a sort of clucking sound. 

 War immediately ensues among the males, as each is 

 anxious to have in his train as many females as 

 possible. Their heels are armed with spurs : their 

 mode of fighting is the same as that of game-cocks, 

 and they enter upon the strife with the same devoted- 

 ness. Although upon other occasions they are among 

 the shyest of birds, they are then so intent upon the 

 victory in their own battle, that they do not heed the 



