shown by the increase of "various" to 27 per cent. The unexpected increase in the consumption of brown winter heather is puzzling, but might be accounted for by an abnormal period of cold weather or blighting wind causing a "set back" in the new growth, and driving the birds to feed more largely on the old shoots. This view is supported by the fact that the birds have also Exceptional
character
of
July
figures. eaten an abnormal quantity of blaeberry stalks and leaves, whereas in the following month, when the heather has presumably recovered from its temporary blight, the consumption of brown winter heather and blaeberry leaves and stalks drops at once from 47 per cent, to 1 per cent. The figures for July shown in the Table are probably exceptional, and do not represent the normal proportion of foods eaten in that month; but they are interesting as showing the elastic manner in which the Grouse can adapt himself to varying conditions.
In August the figures for the consumption of heather appear to have become normal, and the fact that this is the great berry month of the year In August. is shown by the increase of "various" to 34 per cent., the largest amount in any month. Berry feeding is, of course, irregular, for berries only grow in certain localities, their consumption cannot therefore be gauged Berries. by the examination of specimens obtained from moors where no berries are obtainable. Berries are not an essential item in the diet of the Grouse; but it is well known that where they are to be obtained Grouse will flock to them in large numbers, often deserting the heather altogether for a while, and congregating in vast packs upon the berry ground. The blaeberry fruit does not as a rule grow in such profusion as that of the clusterberry or Scottish cranberry, and does not seem to be so attractive to the Grouse, though its leaf and bud are much more generally eaten at all times of the year.
The August figures are interesting as showing the first indication of heather blossom in the diet. First in the bud, afterwards in full bloom, and lastly in Heather
flowers
and seeds. the form of fully ripened seed, the flower of the heather is an important item of food. There is an old saying that when the "stoor (i.e., pollen dust) is on the heather in August a good Grouse season is sure to follow, and the experience of the Committee tends to confirm this belief. In a year when the bloom is early and luxuriant the pollen rises in clouds when disturbed, covering boots and gaiters with a soft yellowish dust, and sometimes even interfering with the breathing of the dogs. This condition is usually followed by a fine harvest of well-ripened heather seed, and the importance
