Northern Europe and Arctic America, which, owing to milder winters, has given up the practice of donning white, or partially white, plumage in winter. Be that as it may, the plucky little game bird is with many a sportsman the central figure in memories of halcyon days, sweet with the scent of heather-bells and bog myrtle, redolent of the reek of peat-smoke from the keeper's cottage, reminiscent of the long line of beaters working down towards the butts, of the clever working of the dogs when an off-day is given to "walking them up." The object of a pursuit which brings health and happiness, esteemed in death and treated to posthumous honours, long may the grouse-cock remain the glory of north-country moorlands.
CALENDAR FOR AUGUST.
August1st.—Chaffinch's summer song heard.
August„3rd.—Ring Doves flocking.
August„4th.—Young Spotted Flycatchers of late brood leave the nest.
August„8th.—Starlings begin to sing from the chimney-pots.
August„11th.—Young Barn Owls snoring in the nest.
August„12th.—Young Turtle Doves still in the nest.
August„13th.—Many Swifts seen on migration.
Hawfinch at mountain-ash berries.
August„14th.—Young Yellow-hammers still in the nest.
Herons still come from their nests.
