PTARMIGAN. GALLINA. TETRAO. 311 
(amongst which it is always found) so closely in colour, it is 
enabled to escape its numerous inferior enemies, and even, in 
a great degree, to escape the piercing eye of the eagle. It 
is not of the shy nature that characterises the red grous, but 
will permit of a near approach; indeed, so unwary is it, as 
frequently to be knocked down with a stick by the shepherds. 
—lIt pairs early in spring, and the female lays her eggs upon Eggs. 
the bare ground amongst the stones. ‘They are in number 
from eight to fourteen or fifteen, of an oblong form, larger 
than those of a partridge, and of a greenish-white colour, 
speckled and blotched with brown and brownish-black. The 
brood not only continue together till the succeeding spring, 
but in winter several families associate, forming small flocks; _ 
and at this season they burrow in the snow, under which they 
find a warm and secure habitation, and are thus enabled, by 
pursuing the surface of the earth, to obtain a sufficient sup- 
ply of food during our most severe winters.—Alpine berries, Food. 
such as those of the crawcrook, cranberry, and cloudberry or 
knoop (Rubus chamzemorus), with the seeds and tender shoots 
of alpine plants, form their food. 
The flesh of the Ptarmigan is rather drier than that of 
the red grous, and not so hishly flavoured; the latter bemg 
considered for the table superior to any other of our feathered 
game. 
This species has been reared in confinement without much 
difficulty, and has been known to breed in a tame state. It is 
widely spread, bemg found in all the alpine districts of cen- 
tral Europe; and in the more northern latitudes it is very 
abundant. ‘The Ptarmigan of North America does not ap- 
pear to differ in any respect from the European. 
The common call or alarm note of the Ptarmigan is not 
unlike that of the missel-thrush, but rather harsher in sound. 
Prate 59. Fig. 2. A male in the winter plumage, and of 
the natural size. 
