112 RECREATIONS OF A NATURALIST 



coverts where Blackgame have previously held 

 undisputed sway. This is sometimes done with the 

 intention of adding variety to the game bag, and 

 where there are suitable coverts the idea at first 

 seems natural and feasible ; but experience has 

 shown that in proportion as the Pheasants increase 

 in the woods the Blackgame gradually disappear. 

 It is wiser to do without the foreign fowl, or shoot 

 him elsewhere, and concentrate one's attention on 

 developing the stock of native game birds in the 

 shape of Red and Blackgame, Capercaillie, and 

 Woodcock, which, together with Snipe, Golden 

 Plover, and wildfowl in their proper seasons, will 

 help to make as varied a bag at the end of the day 

 as the keenest sportsman could desire. 



