of the year collects the hens about him by means of his spel eh j ; ; r beginning of April ‘d. or pairing-season, usually commences towards the end of March or beg g 1 ae ae ess or severity of the weather, the state of the snow &c.—and ASS i : ; 2 The lek-stalle, or locality where affairs matrimonial are carried in the forest, sometimes, however, ‘on a 7 7 a a o “The Capercali is a polygamist, and in the spring or love-song. _the time more or less depending on the mildn continues until the middle or the end of May. ; ee a wooded eminence near a morass, tarn, or op ng ce oS 1 rock, with fir trees growing in and about it.” The Iek-stalle is generally of some e: ‘ oe oe ee eee : res ‘wise disturbed. The oldest or iat it ear after year, unless the trees have been felled or the forest other a : ee ie : ‘ paler ‘ests, even when the snow trongest ae is the first in the spring at the lek-stalle ; and in the more northern fore 7S a ee i ‘face of the snow—on which the marks of his is een on the ground, he commences his spel, either on the surface of the snow—on ee | re ‘ araded to and fro, are often visible-—or perched on the upper branch of a pine. 2 ’ on, is commonly eee eS nd out, his wings droop, and his tail spread out like agian: a ; cali ists of three notes. An attempt has been made to imitate it by the following eee ote Capercan oa : ! Second note, Klickop! Third note, Hede !-Hede !-Hede !-Hede! words :—First note, Pellep !- Pellep !- Pellep és ee her; the second has been likened to a sort of gulp The first note is said to resemble two dry sticks struck toget noe the s Ra is . in the throat, the noise made when the tongue is sucked against the palate, or when a ae ae oy : a bottle; the third has been compared to the sucking in of the breath, or the sound ous °y ues an edged ‘tool ona whetstone. The utterance of these notes may occupy from two tio three minutes ; ay provided me bird be not in any way disturbed, he immediately repeats them, and continues to ce so meee ceasing. His spelis not loud, and, if there be wind stirring at the time, cannot be heard at any considerable distance. In the most favourable weather, indeed, it is not audible at more than one hundred and fifty to two hundred paces. oF Uae ‘‘On hearing the spel of the cock the hens assemble at the lek-stalle from all parts of the surrounding district, and alight on the very tree where he is perched, or on others in Une immediate LY, where hey make their presence known by their somewhat melancholy call-note, resembling the words Gock! Gock } Gock }, oC rather, perhaps, the croak of the Raven. A little before sunrise the cock usually descends from his pene and alights on some open spot in the forest close by, where the hens collect about him; and here during the intervals of his spel, which he still continues, and whilst parading amongst the ladies of his harem, he pairs with each in succession. Immense excitement is then exhibited by both sexes ; the female flitting round and round her lord with outstretched neck and hurried movements as if challenging his notice, until at length it nestles close beside him and solicits attentions which his gallantry ultimately accords. “ During the pairing-season the Capercali is very pugnacious; and fierce combats are then common between rival males. ‘These always take place on the ground, and for the most part on some little eminence free from brushwood or other obstruction. The birds when charging each other spring high in the air, in the manner of game-cocks, and while striking with their wings tear one another with their claws. Their bills are also brought mto play, and he that succeeds in getting such fast hold of his opponent as to pin him to the ground, in which position he punishes him severely, usually comes off the victor. Whilst the fight lasts, and it is often of long continuance, the combatants not unfrequently snap their Dills together with great force, the noise of which, together with that caused by the blows inflicted with their wings, may in clear and calm weather be heard at a considerable distance. During these duels the birds are not unfrequently so blinded by rage as to be entirely forgetful of their own safety, and, if due precaution be used, may then be captured by the hand. “It is fortunate for the sporting world that the Capercali is once more included in the British fauna ; and I feel proud in having been a contributor to so desirable an event. Years ago I volunteered my services to more than one influential proprietor in Scotland; but for a long time no one would move in the matter. In the autumn of 1836, however, the late Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton, ‘ influenced by a desire to introduce these noble birds into Scotland, coupled with that of making a return to Lord Breadalbane for some recent kindness,’ procure, at whatever cost, the requisite number; and within a few months twenty-nine, followed shortly afterwards by twenty more, were forwarded to Taymouth Castle, and, with a single exception, arrived in safety. The success of the experiment was fully realized; and it is very satisfactory to add that the Capercali have subsequently flourished in the Highlands in an extraordinary manner. A few years ago, Lord Breadalbane told me he imagined there were fully a thousand on the Taymouth property; and his head keeper estimated them at double the number.” requested me to It is hardly necessary for me to speak of the dispar most persons ; but I may mention that the male is barred markings are well shown in the ity in the size of the sexes, since it is well known to twice the size and weight of the female, whose remarkably aR A S De o Sa accompanying Plate. Neither is it necessary to say more than that the bird forms an important article of commerce, every poulte being amply supplied with it during the months of w Norway, and frequently in a frozen state. The Plate represents both sexes rer’s shop in London and other large towns inter and spring ; they are principally imported from , about two-thirds the natural size.