CHAPTER XXV. 



BLACK GROUSE: Preserving. 



As I have said, although the Red and the Black Grouse 

 have much in common, still they differ in many respects, 

 and under no circumstances are these variations more con- 

 spicuous than when their preservation is attempted. The 

 most striking characteristic of the Black Grouse is its 

 aversion to the sounds of human bustle and industry. 

 When the preserving is taken up this becomes a serious 

 matter, and unless one can guarantee quietude and the 

 absence of regular and continued disturbance, the birds 

 will not remain and increase; consequently, the first con- 

 sideration in reinstating a head of Black Game must 

 be the suitability of the ground. From the foregoing 

 chapter may be learnt all that is necessary as to the topo- 

 graphy of a site, but the question of quietude is almost 

 equally important. Possibly, some large expanse of land, 

 such as a common, moor, or down, adjacent to and upon 

 which are some number of more or less advanced woods 

 and plantations and copse, may be available. It must 

 be free from the grazing of sheep and cattle and their 

 attendant disturbances ; from the constant crossing and 

 recrossing of persons at all hours of the day, and, perhaps, 

 night too; and from the continual raids of packs of 

 harriers and foxhounds. These conditions are a sine qua 

 non of Black Game preservation, and unless they are 



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