THE WOOD grouse; OR CAPERCAimX). 
113 
game. I \m\ no opportunity of IiantJJing: them, or 
of examiiiing them very minutely, but the general 
view wliich I had of them, at the <list{»nce of a few 
feet» did not enable me lu distingnish the difference 
between die young males and females, 'lliey seemed 
precisely ttte same at that time both in Mze and plu- 
mage, aithougli 1 doubt not the male markings must 
liave soon shewn themselves on the young cockn. 
The aingle sunriviug bird of those liatehed by the 
mother died of an accident, after living in a very 
heaitliy Htate for several weeks. Two of those 
hatched by the common hen died of BoniB dis*>aHe, 
the nature of which la nut known, after lingeriug for 
a considerable time. It follows that there are only 
two yonng hinls remaining. These are both fe- 
njaltfSt and wFi^n I hat heard of them some months 
ago, were in a thriving condition. 
" The whole progeny were fed at first, and for 
some lime, with yotmjf ant<?, — that is, with those 
whitish gmin-aliaped Inxlies, which are the larvajaird 
crysalidrt in their cocoons of these iiidustrious crea- 
tures, though commonly called ant's eggs. At that 
period they were also ucca.sionally supplied with 
some tender grasa, cut very short. As soon as tliey 
had acquired some atrengtli, they hegan to eat oats 
and pot barley, togettier with grass and the various 
kinds of moss. They are now fed like the three 
old birdw, chiefly on grain and heather lopa, with the 
young shoots, and other tender portions of the Scotch 
fir. 1 am inlbrmed that the distinction between th« 
VUL. IV . r 
