2.98 Unexplored Spain 
(4) GamE-Brrps OF CANTABRIA 
Alike in its game-denizens with other physical features, 
Cantabria is differentiated from the rest of Spain, approximating 
rather to a north-European similitude. Thus the capercaillie is 
spread along the whole Biscayan range though nowhere numerous, 
and in appearance less so than in fact, owing to the density of 
these mountain-forests. 
During our long but fruitless rambles after bear we raised but 
four; that, however, was in spring when these birds are apt to lie 
close. 
In the Pyrenees (where the capercaillie is known as Gallo de 
Bosque) a certain number are shot every winter along with roebuck 
and pig in mountain-drives (montertas) ; but in the Asturias the 
pursuit of the Gallo de Monte is effected (as in Austria and 
northern Europe) during its courting-seasonin May. The system 
is well known. The opportunity occurs at dusk and dawn, the 
stalker advancing while the lovelorn male sings a frenzied 
epithalamium, halting instantly when the bird becomes silent. 
Ptarmigan are found in the Pyrenees, but seem to extend no 
farther west than the Province of Navarre, which area also 
coincides roughly with the southern distribution of the hazel- 
grouse (Zetrao bonasia) though we had some suspicion (not since 
confirmed) that the latter may extend into Asturias. 
Our common grey partridge, unknown in §. Spain, occurs all 
along the Cantabrian highlands up to, but not beyond, the 
Cordillera de Leén. Here it descends to the foothills in winter, 
but is never found on the plains. 
A bird peculiar to this region, though not game, deserves 
remark, the great black woodpecker, a subarctic species which 
we have observed in the Picos de Europa. 
ANGLING IN RIVER AND Ska! 
Nearly all the Spanish rivers when they leave the sierras and 
‘dawdle through the plains degenerate into sluggish mud-charged 
streams ; but most of them are well stocked with barbel, which 
may be caught by methods similar to those in vogue on the 
Thames, 7.e. by float-fishing or ledgering with fine but strong 
tackle, as the first rush of a barbel is worthy of a trout. These 
* For notes on these subjects, we are indebted to Mr. Carl D. Williams. 
