274 
BIRD-LIFE. 
the ancient ballad writers of the East with material for 
many poetic effusions purporting to illustrate the love- 
passages, sighs and longings, of the human race,— 
dances round his partner; aye, both, even, will waltz 
together as tenderly as lad and lassie, beak to beak, and 
pressed tenderly to one another’s breast! 
The most peculiar of these amatory performances are 
those executed by various members of the Gallinaceous 
family. Most members of this class have very luxurious 
and extravagant notions on the subject of marriage ; and 
even those who live in the bonds of matrimony are 
sometimes given to breaking their plighted faith ! Hence 
often the mad lust and wild jealousy shown in their 
contact with the female. The “play” of the Capercallie 
gives us an example of a love-suit, as conducted by 
some members of the family. 
This “play”* is the combination of a love-dance, 
love-song, and declaration of the tender passion, all in 
one. It commences at the earliest about the end of 
March, and continues in the high-lands, where it 
commences later, up to the middle of May. Inasmuch 
as the Capercallie is a great favourite with sportsmen, 
and as the pursuit of this bird, during “playing-time,” 
is a sport which affords the greatest pleasure, and at the 
same time requires much skill, it follows that this 
“play” is thoroughly well known, and the different 
notes and movements have not only their especial 
names, but are sought to be rendered by syllables. A 
short description of this singular performance is much as 
follows. The evening before commencing operations the 
Capercallie goes to the “playing-place,” and perches on 
* I have rendered tire German “Baize” by “play,” Mr. Lloyd’s English 
equivalent as found in Yarrell’s ‘British Birds,’ vol. ii. p. 291.— W. J. 
