the enormous sums paid as rent for Grouse-shootings, 
the vast increase in the numbers of this bird under 
strict preservation, the ravages of the Grouse-disease, 
and the attractions of shooting over dogs, or “ driving ;” 
but as a lover of birds in general, I would put in a 
word of protest against the destruction, I may say the 
extermination, of many of our most interesting native 
birds in favour of the Grouse; I allude specially to the 
Golden Eagle, the Peregrine Falcon, the Merlin, and the 
Buzzard. I am well aware of the futility of attempting 
to protect these and many other birds from the greed 
of collectors, and it cannot be denied that the Falcon 
levies its tribute from the moorlands, but I do not like 
to believe that there are many who deserve the name of 
sportsmen who would deliberately connive at the death 
of either Falcon or Eagle for the sake of a few more 
Grouse or pounds sterling. I know that some few 
enlightened proprietors and lessees of Deer-forests and 
Grouse-moors protect the Golden Eagle, but I fear that 
my favourite Peregrine for the most part meets with 
scant mercy, and in season and out of season I will 
not cease to plead for her, and maintain her hereditary 
natural rights to her quarry. In my opinion half of the 
intense enjoyment of a day on the moors would be gone 
were it not for the chance at least of seeing other birds 
than the objects of pursuit, and the opportunities of 
observing their habits; but I fear that, even amongst 
those who understand “ sport’ in its true sense, I shall 
meet with but few who can sympathize with me, and to 
those who have no real appreciation of the term, it is 
useless to appeal. 
