HOMES ACT HAUNTS. 
13 
Pheasants, Partridges, Grouse, Moor Game, Black Game, 
and Bustards. Snipes, Quails, Landrails, Woodcocks, and 
Conies, altliougli not exactly Game, are yet to a certain 
degree protected as sucli ; no uncertificated person may 
kill or take them. The proprietor of an enclosed piece of 
ground, his tenant or servant, may take Woodcocks, Snipes, 
and Eabbits, in nets or snares. 
Let us now, in such ^ Hiawatha ' metre as we can com - 
mand, give our readers an introductory picture of the prin- 
cipal Game Birds in their homes and haunts. 
In the north the Capercailzie 
Dwells amid the dark pine forests, 
And his husky crow at morning 
\Yakes the echoes of the mountain, 
Down whose side, with foam and sparkle, 
Leaps the streamlet, over-shadowed 
By the drooping lady-birches : 
There his bold bright eye outflashes, 
Like a gem in scarlet setting ; 
There his purple plumes resplendent 
Catch the sunshine, as he walketh 
Proudly in his own dominions — 
He the monarch among game birds ! 
On the purple heath-clad moorland, 
"Where the grey cairn standeth lonely, 
And the ruined watch-tower tellcth 
Of the border strife and foray ; 
There the Blackcock's glossy plumage 
Shines amid the stunted bushes, 
Juniper, and ling, and grasses. 
Waving golden in the sunshine ; 
There his hoarse crow breaks the silencO; 
To the crouching Orey Hen calling. 
All amid the broom sae bonnie, 
"Where the silver gowans twinkle, 
"Where the river to the lowlands 
Floweth on, as though rejoicing 
Sterile heights to leave, and wander 
Through the fniitful plains and valleys ; 
There the Red Grouse— Scottish Muirfowl — 
In his dress of brovv'n, embroidered 
O'er with purple, gold, and crimson, 
Feeds on heather tops, and berries. 
