GROUSE SHOOTING differs but little from the preceding, excepting its being more laborious, and taking place in the hotter months, and in the more hilly or mountainous countries. This species of game is not universally dispersed, like the partridge, over the face of the kingdom, but a native inhabitant of some particular district in wild, remote, or peculiar situations. They were some few years since to be plentifully seen in many parts of WALES, and in the NEW FOREST of HAMPSHIRE; but they are now very much reduced, and rarely to be found; at least not in sufficient numbers to render it a sport worth pursuing. In the northern counties bordering upon the Tweed, and in various parts of Scotland, they are so numerous, that many of the most opulent and eager sportsmen make very long and expensive journies, to satiate themselves, and weary their dogs, with an unrestrained and unlimited profusion of sport. The grouse is larger than the partridge, and, when full grown, weighs from twenty to two-and-twenty ounces. The plumage is variegated, and beautifully composed of black, red, and white; the tail being similar to that of the partridge, but a little larger when extended in flight.
The GROUSE perseveringly adhere to those mountains and moors which are covered with heath, seldom or ever descending into the lower grounds. They fly in _packs_, consisting of four or five brace; and indulge upon intervening tracts of soft mossy ground, particularly in the hotter months of the year. The cackling noise of the cock may be heard at a considerable distance; and when once the dog makes his point, he is commonly the first bird upon wing. Upon the POINTER'S being first observed to _stand_, it is instantly necessary to keep the eye forward; for if the birds are perceived to _erect_ their heads, and _run_, it is considered an infallible sign they will _not lie well_ during that day; in which case there is no alternative, but to head the dog, and, if possible, keep pace with them, so as to be within shot when they rise; if which advantage is not taken, many a long and laborious day may be undertaken without the consolation of a single bird. As the time for this sport commences in the sultry season, and generally in parts of the country remote from expeditious means of conveyance, they do not very frequently reach the Metropolis; at least in such a recent state as to be perfectly attracting: they are (particularly if not killed remarkably clean) very soon disposed to _putridity_; and if required or intended to be sent to any great distance, they should be drawn as soon as convenient after they are shot, and the vacuum filled up with fine heath or herbage for the journey.