204 
BIRDS. 
259. Lagopus scoticus {Lath.). Red Grouse. 
Eesident; some years more abundant than others; most 
abundant in the season of 1880, since which time the 
county has never entirely been free from disease, though 
this scourge has not been equally destructive in all places. 
Grouse migrate much, in this county; many birds were 
seen at the beginning of 1883 on the east coast, yet few 
remained to breed, and scarcely any were to be found in 
the shooting season, nor was any sign of dead birds found ; 
in the west of the county, however, good sport has been 
had for several years back, in places where formerly scarcely 
a grouse was to be seen, and the conclusion is that the birds 
migrated there from the east.^ 
The fluctuations in numbers from year to year to which 
grouse are now subject, opens up a large question for full 
treatment (which we have not room for here), owing to 
many causes which, we believe, are quite within the grasp 
of the naturalist to understand. Common in West Suther- 
land at certain localities, especially above the limestone, 
where in Assynt 700 and 600 brace were killed in two 
seasons respectively. Tape-worm in 1874, and late cold 
spring with frost and much cold rain, almost brought 
them to the verge of extinction in 1876 and 1877, and 
we did not see a single bird along all the thirty-five 
miles of road between Lairg and Inchnadamph, where they 
used to be fairly abundant. They partly recovered in 
1878. 
Eare in Stoir and Aardvaar, owing to the superabun- 
dance of old rank heather and irrepressible hoodie crows. 
Grouse do not " pack " in the west of Sutherland. Mr. Savile 
G. Eeid notes it as very scarce on the flowlands and moors 
above Bettyhill, and in the north-east of Sutherland, in 
1886. 
■ 1 With reference to the above, it may be noted here that a pack of grouse 
was seen flying south over the Moray Firth, and making for the Banff coast, in 
December 1879 (J. A. H.-B.). 
