tages likely to accrue from the Interbreeding of our Grouse with that of Norway {Tetrao sallceti). Orni- 
thologists are questioning whether these are not one and the same species, and if the differences existing 
between the two may not he due to the influence of climate. Should such be the case (and I think 
it probable), then the Introduction of the original stock would doubtless effect an improvement in the 
health and vigour of our birds. Prof. Rasch, of Christiania, believes the two so-called species to be 
identical, and is introducing our Grouse into his country, partly to determine this point, and partly for the 
sake of the infusion of fresh blood ; but more on this subject will he found in my account of the Red 
Grouse. As bearing u|)on their unity, I may mention that I made a journey to Norway for the sole purpose 
of studying the habits of Tetrao saliceti, and observed that they differed in little or no respect from those of 
our Grouse, and that its crow was also similar. 
Mr. Robert Gray remarks that, as a rule, all the Grouse from Lewis, Harris, North and South List, 
Barra, &c. “ may be said to be smaller and lighter in colour than those from moors on the mainland, 
especially the mountain-ranges of the north-east of Scotland, which invariably yield in good seasons the 
largest and most beautifully marked birds. In many districts the native Grouse partake of the coloration of 
the ground in their markings ; thus the finest and darkest birds are those frequenting rich heathy tracts ; 
while on broken ground of a rocky character, such as may be seen in Wigtownshire, the grouse are either 
more or less mottled, or are altogether lighter in colour, and less in size and weight.” 
Before closing my remarks on the Tetrao sallceti and the English Grouse, it may be interesting to note 
that the extent of the southern range of the former, whether we look at it in Norway, Sweden, or Russia, 
is restricted to much about the same degree of southern latitude as that of our own bird in England and 
Wales, thus adding one more indirect proof of their probable identity. On the other hand the Blackcock 
and Ptarmigan have a more extended southern range, both being found in Switzerland, if not in Northern 
Italy. 
Although in a previous page I have discountenanced the introduction of new species, I may be here 
permitted to make an exception by advocating the claims of the Gelinotte or Hazel-Grouse (^Bonasa betulitid) 
to a trial of acclimatization in this country. Without putting forth this suggestion as original, I may state 
that having seen much of this excellent bird in Norway and other parts of Europe, and noticed that it there 
dwells in woods very similar to those which occur in Kent and other counties of England and Scotland, I see 
no reason why it should not be successfully naturalized ; and I would suggest that those who are of the 
same opinion and have the means of making the experiment should do so. 
“ It is to me a mystery,” says Mr. Lloyd, in his ‘ Game-birds and Wild Fowl of Sweden 
and Norway,’ 
“ why the Hazel-Hen, which, from its English name, would almost seem to have been a former inhabitant 
