THE DECREASE OF BLACKGAME 



Except in Somerset, Devon, and the New Forest, 

 where the commencement of Blackgame shooting is 

 deferred until September i, the season for this fine 

 game bird opens on August 20 and ends with the 

 shootingof Red Grouse on December 10. Sad to say, 

 the sport which it now affords is not what it used to 

 be. There was a time when Blackgame was spread 

 all over the country from north to south, wherever 

 the conditions were favourable to its mode of living, 

 and its existence at the present time in the west of 

 England, side by side with the red deer, is only a 

 survival, owing to the unchanged nature of its 

 ancient haunts. For we have to remember that 

 the Blackcock comes of a very ancient race, indi- 

 genous to Britain long before the introduction of 

 the Pheasant, which has since ousted it in so many 

 directions. In proportion as the wilder parts of 

 the country suited to its habits have remained un- 

 altered, it contrives to hold its own, though in far 

 fewer numbers than formerly. Needless to say, it 

 is a moorland bird, often living where Red Grouse 

 are, but oftener where there are none or very few, 

 for the nature of its haunts is somewhat different. 

 The Red Grouse lie out on the open moor, where 

 they find no cover but heather in profusion ; the 



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