76 THE MOOR AND THE LOCH. 



dropping a magnificent cock with No. 4. Although very 

 anxious for a mate, not another chance at either cock or hen 

 could be obtained." 



Next winter he again tried the same pine- wood, and had the 

 satisfaction of bringing down another cock and two old hens in 

 finest feather. 



From the windows of Garth, in Glenlyon, I used to watch 

 these noble birds congregated on the opposite bank of the 

 river every morning. Black -game were often feeding with 

 the capercailzie. In the evenings too, coming home from my 

 walk down the glen, I often noted about a dozen black-game 

 attended always by one capercailzie cock. Now and then he 

 gave a peck at an old black-cock, who always gave way ; but 

 the capercailzie was not otherwise overbearing. In spring, no 

 doubt, this cock would have this harem of grey hens, and the 

 hybrids so often shot of late would be the result. 



Within the last few years I have examined two of these 

 crosses, one being shown to me by Small the bird-stuffer. 



I may remark here that Small has put up my son's 

 American collection with great skill and taste. 



