the enormous sums paid as rent for Grouse-shootings, 

 the vast increase in the numbers of this bird under 

 strict preservation, the ravages of the Grouse-disease, 

 and the attractions of shooting over dogs, or " driving;" 

 but as a lover of birds in general, I would put in a 

 word of protest against the destruction, I may say the 

 extermination, of many of our most interesting native 

 birds in favour of the Grouse ; I allude specially to the 

 Golden Eagle, the Peregrine Falcon, the Merlin, and the 

 Buzzard. I am well aware of the futility of attempting 

 to protect these and many other birds from the greed 

 of collectors, and it cannot be denied that the Falcon 

 levies its tribute from the moorlands, but I do not like 

 to believe that there are many who deserve the name of 

 sportsmen who would deliberately connive at the death 

 of either Falcon or Eagle for the sake of a few more 

 Grouse or pounds sterling. I know that some few 

 enlightened proprietors and lessees of Deer-forests and 

 Grouse-moors protect the Golden Eagle, but I fear that 

 my favourite Peregrine for the most part meets with 

 scant mercy, and in season and out of season I will 

 not cease to plead for her, and maintain her hereditary 

 natural rights to her quarry. In my opinion half of the 

 intense enjoyment of a day on the moors would be gone 

 were it not for the chance at least of seeing other birds 

 than the objects of pursuit, and the opportunities of 

 observing their habits ; but I fear that, even amongst 

 those who understand " sport " in its true sense, I shall 

 meet with but few who can sympathize with me, and to 

 those who have no real appreciation of the term, it is 

 useless to appeal. 



