GROUSE AND BLACK -GAME SHOOTING. 105 



ing those who are in the habit of travelling the hill, and 

 who will be just as likely to know what is of more conse- 

 quence viz., where the packs are to be found in the 

 greatest abundance. 



As to the ground immediately round him, a man accus- 

 tomed to the moors can always tell whether it is likely to 

 harbour game ; and let him be ranging the top, the ridge, 

 the brow, or the flat at the foot of the hill, if he is sur- 

 rounded by alternate patches of old and young heather, 

 interspersed with numerous green mossy springs, or peat- 

 hags half filled with water, he is in full expectation of a 

 point. If, on the contrary, the ground is bare and the 

 heather burnt, or if it be growing in one unvarying crop of 

 rank luxuriance, he looks anxiously for a break, and 

 almost grudges the unflagging exertions of his persevering 

 dogs. Still he never gives up hope, and often finds game 

 where he least expects it. 



When grouse are raised on the top or brow of a hill, the 

 flight is generally much shorter than when found on a 

 level at the foot. In the latter case, they generally fly far 

 out of sight ; but if the ground is hilly and uneven, they 

 often take a few dodging turns, and drop down at no great 

 distance. On the steep peak of the heathery hill, I have 

 seen them fly quite round, and again settle not far from 

 where they were first discovered. In fine weather, before 



are formed by natural rifts in the bog, with a small red brook running 

 through. This water is very unwholesome, and a man had better bear his 

 thirst than drink it. The peat-stack is a sure index of these supplies 

 of water, and can be seen at a considerable distance. 



