140 THE WOOD GROUSE OR CAPERCAILZIE. 



let out into an inclosure near the house, protected 

 by a high and close fence, in which were several 

 firs and pines, the common trees of the place. In 

 this inclosure they were never disturbed ; and du- 

 ring the sitting season no one approached, except 

 the person who laid in the meat, which at that time 

 consisted of barley, besides fresh sprigs of the kinds 

 before mentioned. It is an indispensable rule that 

 they shall have full liberty, and remain entirely un- 

 disturbed, if the hens are to sit and hatch their young. 

 As soon as this had occurred, and the brood were 

 out, they were removed to the yard, which was also 

 roomy, and so closely fenced that the young ones 

 could not escape through ; and within this fence 

 were hedges and a number of bushes planted. Of 

 the old ones, one of the wings was always clipped, 

 to prevent their flying. I have seen several times 

 such broods both of black game and capercailzie, 

 eight to twelve young ones belonging to each hen. 

 They were so tame, that, like our common hens, 

 they would run forward when corn was thrown to 

 them. They should always have a good supply of 

 sand and fresh water.' 



" According to Mr Nilsson, ' when the caper- 

 cailzie is reared from the time of being a chicken, he 

 frequently becomes as tame as a domestic fowl, and 

 may be safely left by himself. He however seldom 

 loses his natural boldness ; arid, like the turkey cock, 

 will often fly at and peck people. He never becomes 

 so tame and familiar as the black cock. 



