COMMON PTARMIGAN. 



£89 



support to the conjecture of these being two de- 

 cided species. 



The Ptarmigan inhabits most of the northern 

 parts of Europe, even as far as Greenland : it is 

 very common in Russia and Siberia : it also is 

 abundant on the Alpine mountains of Savoy, and 

 other temperate regions. In Britain these birds 

 are chiefly met with on the summits of the highest 

 hills of the Highlands of Scotland ; they are also 

 not uncommon in the Hebrides and Orkneys, and 

 a few are still said to inhabit the lofty hills of 

 Cumberland and Wales. 



In winter they assemble together in flocks, and 

 are very stupid, suffering themselves to be knocked 

 down with sticks, or driven into any snare that is 

 set for them. They frequently stretch out their 

 necks, apparently in curiosity, and remain other- 

 wise unconcerned, while the fowler takes aim at 

 them : when frightened they fly off, but imme- 

 diately afterwards alight, and stand staring at their 

 foe. It is said if the female be killed, the male 

 will not forsake her, but may then also be killed 

 with great ease. So little alarmed are they at the 

 presence of mankind, as even to bear driving like 

 poultry ; yet notwithstanding this apparent gentle- 

 ness of disposition, it is impossible to domesticate 

 them ; for when caught they refuse to eat, and 

 always die in consequence. 



Their food consists of the buds of trees, young 

 shoots of pine and heath, and mountain berries 

 and fruits : on the Continent they feed on the 

 dwarf birch and black-berried heath, and some- 



V. XI. p. II. 20 



