298 Unexplored Spain 



(4) Game-Bihds of Cantabria 



Alike in its game-denizens with other physical features, 

 Cantabria is differentiated from the rest of Spain, approximating 

 rather to a nortli-European similitude. Thus the capercaillie is 

 spread along the whole Biscayan range though nowhere numerous, 

 and in appearance less so than in fact, owing to the density of 

 these mountain-forests. 



Durinof our lono- but fruitless rambles after bear we raised but 

 four ; that, however, was in spring when these birds are apt to lie 

 close. 



In the Pyrenees (where the capercaillie is known as Gallo de 

 Bosque) a certain number are shot every winter along with roebuck 

 and pig in mountain-drives {inonterias) ; but in the Asturias the 

 pursuit of the Gallo de Monte is effected (as in Austria and 

 northern Europe) during its courting -season in May. The system 

 is well known. The opportunity occurs at dusk and dawn, the 

 stalker advancins; while the lovelorn male sinos a frenzied 

 epithalamium, halting instantly when the bird becomes silent. 



Ptarmigan are found in the Pyrenees, but seem to extend no 

 farther west than the Province of Navarre, which area also 

 coincides roughly with the southern distribution of the hazel- 

 grouse [Tetrao honasia) though we had some suspicion (not since 

 confirmed) that the latter may extend into Asturias. 



Our common grey partridge, unknown in S. Spain, occurs all 

 along the Cantabrian highlands up to, but not beyond, the 

 Cordillera de Leon. Here it descends to the foothills in winter, 

 but is never found on the plains. 



A bird peculiar to this region, though not game, deserves 

 remark, the great black woodpecker, a subarctic species which 

 we have observed in the Picos de Europa. 



Angling in Eiver and Sea ^ 



Nearly all the Spanish rivers when they leave the sierras and 

 dawdle through the plains degenerate into sluggish mud-charged 

 streams ; but most of them are well stocked with barbel, which 

 may be caught by methods similar to those in vogue on the 

 Thames, i.e. by float-fishing or ledgering with fine but strong 

 tackle, as the first rush of a barbel is worthy of a trout. These 



^ For notes on these subjects, we are indebted to Mr. Carl D. Williams. 



