160 THE KEEPER'S BOOK 



more harm than good. This is a point seldom con- 

 sidered by keepers, who as a rule simply turn the birds 

 down on the moor, and let them take their chance. 



The principle of exchange of eggs between keepers 

 is one which is most easily carried out, and the least 

 objectionable, as a fair exchange is no robbery. 



Considering the evils of the system and the difficulty 

 of keeping the imported birds on the ground, it is better 

 that eggs should be exchanged. One or two placed in 

 each nest is the most reliable method of laying them 

 down, though it entails more trouble to the keeper than 

 placing a larger number in one or two nests ; or they 

 may be put under domestic hens. The hatching of 

 grouse eggs under hens is very similar to that of 

 pheasants. Twelve or thirteen eggs is the best number 

 to set. A small hen should be chosen and the nest set 

 in a clod of turf. Twenty-five days is the length of 

 incubation. The coops should be placed on short 

 heather, and after hatching they should be moved daily 

 to prevent the ground getting foul. The same feeding 

 should be given as to pheasant chicks, with a little varia- 

 tion, but not too much should be given at one time, so 

 as to encourage the birds to take the natural feeding 

 on the ground. They soon begin to take the tender 

 shoots of heather and other plants, and, after a little 

 study as to what agrees, and what disagrees with them, 

 they soon thrive. Notwithstanding the fact that grouse 

 are absolutely wild birds, they are easily reared, and 

 are a most interesting study. When old enough to fly 



