CAPERCAILLIE.— rc^™ urugaUua 



young ones, in the course of a day or two, usually open their pipes. Comhats, as it may 

 be supposed, not unfrequently take place on these occasions ; though I do not recollect 

 having heard of more than two of these birds being engaged at the same time. 



Though altogether contrary to law, it is now that the greatest slaughter is committed 

 among the Capercaillie ; for any lump of a fellow who has strength to draw a trigger 

 may, with a little instruction, manage to knock them down. As the plan, however, of 

 shooting these noble birds during theii' play is something curious, I shall do my best to 

 describe it. 



It being first ascertained where the lek is situated, the sportsman proceeds to the spot 

 and listens in profound silence until he hears the call of the cock. So long, however, as 

 the bird only repeats his commencing sound, he must, if he be at all near to him, remain 

 stationary ; but the instant the Capercaillie comes to the wind-up, the gulp, &c., during which, 

 as I have just now said, its faculties of both seeing and hearing are in a degree absorbed, 

 then he may advance a little. This note, however, lasts so short a time, that the sports- 

 man is seldom able to take more than three or four steps before it ceases ; for the instant 

 that is the case, he must again halt, and if in an exposed situation remain fixed like a 



