332 



and the females commence to lay. During this season they select marshy places covered with 

 aspen and conifer trees. At about two o'clock in the morning the males resort on foot to the place 

 where they call and fight ; the cock that has not found an adversary remains as a spectator, and 

 the combatants strike each other with their wings, seize each other by the neck, uttering their 

 characteristic note or cry. During the time they are calling the males are very unwary and 

 may be approached with ease. As to the females, they act only as spectators of the combat, 

 perched high in the trees, and afterwards rejoin the males. About fifty or more males assemble 

 in the arena, and at sunrise the calls cease and the birds leave. A gunner can shoot in one 

 morning more than five cocks. This description of the White-bellied Capercaillie has been 

 confirmed to me by Mr. Beck, the forest superintendent of the Kanauikolsk Works, an excellent 

 sportsman and worthy of all confidence. The call of this species appears to resemble that of 

 the Blackcock." 



Beyond the above notes, I find nothing on record respecting this bird. In 1891 a few were 

 exposed for sale in the London market, and in February and March 1892 a considerable quantity 

 were sent over here for sale. I tried to find out whence they came, but without success, and all 

 1 could ascertain was that they were sent over by a St.-Petersburg dealer, the same man, 1 believe, 

 who last year sent a large consignment of Daurian Partridges (Perdix daurica) to Leadenhall 

 Market. 



The specimen figured is the male above described, and is in my own collection. 



In the preparation of the above article I have examined, besides those in the British 

 Museum, the following specimens : — 



E Mas. H. E. Dresser. 



a j 3 1 b> ? • Werchnevralskj Russia, November and December {Prof. Menzbier). c, J" ad. Purchased in the 

 flesh in Leadenhall Market, February 3rd, 1892 {H. E. B.) . 



