scene, having probably quietly alighted on the 

 other side of the brae. 



For a few moments they remained silently 

 watching one another, apparently waiting for a 

 signal from the leader. 



I next caught sight of two or three small 

 parties flying high in the air direct from the hills on 

 the opposite side of a steep burn. After circling 

 once round the spot, they alighted lower down on 

 the hill, and some of them, principally grey hens, 

 remained where they were ; while the males gradually 

 ascended the rising ground, picking their way with 

 the greatest care, carrying their tails high over 

 their backs, either to show themselves to the 

 greatest advantage or to avoid contact with the 

 frost and snow. 



These were speedily followed by others, and 

 they kept on gathering till between thirty and forty 

 were collected in a kind of irregular circle. 



The old cock who had first appeared, and who 

 was evidently looked upon as the master of the 

 ceremonies, now advanced into the centre of the 

 arena ; his comb was elevated, his wings drooped, 

 his tail curled over his back, and every feather- 

 even down to his toes was spread to its fullest 

 extent. After bowing all round, and apparently 

 being satisfied that no one wished to dispute his 

 title to be considered the greatest swell present, he 

 proceeded to execute a kind of pas seul, which 

 seemed to consist of a double shuffle, hop, skip and 

 a jump, and was concluded by an almost complete 

 somersault. Four others then advanced towards 

 the open ground, two coming from either side. 

 These went through something like a set figure ; 

 advanced, bowed, turned round, jumped over one 

 another's heads, turned round, bowed again, and 

 then retired. 



Several more then joined in the performances ; 

 and the proceedings were brought to a satisfactory 

 termination by the whole of the actors advancing, 



