. The history of birds : their varieties and oddities, comprising graphic descriptions of nearly all known species of birds, with fishes and insects, the world over, and illustrating their varied habits, modes of life, and distinguishing peculiarities by means of delightful anecdotes and spirited engravings . the tops of is somewhat re-markable that cher-ries and peas are fatalto these birds. Theyperch and roost inthe same manner asthe Pheasant. The Black Grousenever pair; but infipring the males assemble at their accustomed resorts on the tops oflieathy mountains, where they crow and
. The history of birds : their varieties and oddities, comprising graphic descriptions of nearly all known species of birds, with fishes and insects, the world over, and illustrating their varied habits, modes of life, and distinguishing peculiarities by means of delightful anecdotes and spirited engravings . the tops of is somewhat re-markable that cher-ries and peas are fatalto these birds. Theyperch and roost inthe same manner asthe Pheasant. The Black Grousenever pair; but infipring the males assemble at their accustomed resorts on the tops oflieathy mountains, where they crow and clap their wings. Theiemales, at this signal, resort to them. The males are very quarrel-iome, and fight together like game-cocks. On these occasions theyXsve so inattentive to their own safety, that two or three have some-times been killed at one shot: and instances have occurred of theirhaving been knocked down with a stick. The female forms an artless nest on the ground; and lays six oreight eggs, of a dull yellowish white color, marked with numerous verysmall ferruginous specks, and, towards the smaller end, with someblotches of the same. These are hatched late in the summer. Theyoung males quit the parents in the beginning of winter, and keeptogether in flocks of seven or eight till the BLACK GROUSE.—MALE. THE BLACK GROUSE. 277 In Russia, Norway, and other extreme northern conntrieg, thoBlack Grouse are said to retire under the snow during winter. Theshooting of them in Russia is thus conducted :—Huts full of loop-holes, like little forts, are built for the purpose, in woods frequentedby these birds. Upon the trees within shot of the liuts, are placedartificial decoy-birds. As the Grouse assemble, the company firethrough the openings; and so long as the sportsmen are concealed,the report of the guns does not frighten the biids .lAay. oCthem may thereforebe killed from thesame tree, whenthree or four ha]i-pen to be perchedon branches oneabove
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade, booksubjectbirds, booksubjectzoology
