46 



BLACK COCK. 



Dr. Latham has considered it as a mere variety of the black grous. 

 In his Synopsis Supplement he has recited the accounts given by 

 Dr. Sparrman, who says it is of the size of the female great or wood 

 grous, and supposed to be produced from that breed and the male 

 black grous ; that it varies greatly in colour, scarcely two being found 

 exactly corresponding; and that it is a remarkably stupid bird. Its 

 notes resemble most that of the wood grous, but are louder, harsher, 

 and every way more disagreeable. 



This gentleman likewise remarks, that the birds hitherto met with, 

 whether associating with the male birds or females, are ever of the 

 male sex ; and that it is not uncommon in the woods of Sweden and 

 Finland. 



Mr. Pennant, in his Supplement to the Arctic Zoology, says, the 

 spurious grous, or racklehanen of the Swedes, is a breed between 

 the cock of the black grous and a female of the great grous ; its note 

 partakes of both species. It is restless, constantly moving from tree to 

 tree ; it is therefore hated by sportsmen, as it gives other birds notice 

 of their approach. This variety is well figured by Dr. Sparrman in his 

 Museum Carlsonianum, tab. xv. — P. 



Notwithstanding the above accounts, we cannot help entertaining 

 some doubt of its being a mixed breed ; a circumstance so unnatural in 

 a state of nature, and of which we find no other instance. 



If this species is met with so commonly in Sweden, how is it that none 

 but males are found ? 



The wood grous, as well as the black grous, are found plentifully in 

 Norway, and numbers are brought into this country every year ; and 

 yet we cannot learn that any such bird as the hybridus is found there. 

 And yet Dr. Latham says he was informed by Dr. Tunstall that he was 

 told by some old Scotch gentleman that both the wood, as well as the 

 spurious grous, were extant in Scotland within their memory. 



We must, however, consider this matter as in a state of obscurity, and 

 that nothing has been advanced on the subject to induce us to believe 

 that the bird in question is any other than a mere variety of the male 

 black grous. Some authors have, indeed, described the female to be 

 of a grey colour, spotted with black. 



A singular bird is mentioned in the Naturalist's Calendar, supposed 

 to be a mixed breed between the common fowl and pheasant, shot in the 

 woods. But then, in this case, the male or female was a domesticated 

 bird, and most probably the former. For farther particulars, see the 

 article Pheasant. 



* Dr. Fleming says the subject merits attention ; Selby passes it over 

 in silence.* 



