COMMON PTARMIGAN. 
289 
support to the conjecture of these being two de- 
cided species. 
The Ptarmigan inhabits most of the northern 
parts of Europe, even as far as Greenland : it is 
very common in Russia and Siberia : it also is 
abundant on the fUpine mountains of Savoy, and 
other temperate regions. In Britain these birds 
are chiefly met with on the summits of the highest 
hills of the Flighlands of Scotland ; they are also 
not uncommon in the Hebrides and Orkneys, and 
a few are still said to inhabit the lofty hills of 
Cumberland and Wales. 
In winter they assemble together in flocks, and 
are very stupid, suffering themselves to be knocked 
down with sticks, or driven into any snare that is 
set for them. They frequently stretch out their 
necks, apparently in curiosity, and remain other- 
wise unconcerned, while the fowler takes aim at 
them : when frightened they fly off, but imme- 
diately afterwards alight, and stand staring at their 
foe. It is said if the female be killed, the male 
will not forsake her, but may then also be killed 
with great ease. So little alarmed are they at the 
presence of mankind, as even to bear driving like 
poultry ; yet notwithstanding this apparent gentle- 
ness of disposition, it is impossible to domesticate 
them ; for when caught they refuse to eat, and 
always die in consequence. 
Tlieir food consists of the buds of trees, young 
slioots of pine and lieath, and mountain berries 
and fruits : ^on tlie Contineut tliey feed on llie 
dwarf bircli and black-berried heatli, and some- 
20 
V. XT. P. II. 
