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tages likely to accrue from the interbreeding of our Grouse with that of Norway ( Tetrao saliceti). Orni-
thologists are questioning whether these are not one and the same species, and if the differences existing
between the two may not be 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 be found in my account of the Red
Grouse. As bearing upon their unity, [ may mention that I made a Journey to Norway for the sole purpose
of studying the habits of Zetrao saliceti, and dienied 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 Uist,
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 Zétrao saliceti 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 betulina)
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

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