As with partridges, a great benefit has followed the fashion of driving
grouse, instead of walking them up, with setters and pointers: for the
familiar reason that the old birds come first to the guns and are the
first to be shot. If not shot, these old birds would not allow the
young ones to nest near them, and would drive them far afield: and
another advantage is that the young birds which are spared are the most
productive. Moorland keepers at the end of the season are at pains to
kill off old cocks, which are such enemies to the peaceful nesting of
the young birds; and many are their devices for stalking and calling
them to their doom. Except when feeding, the wary old birds like to be
able to look all about them, and perch on walls and hillocks, whence,
holding their heads high, their eyes may sweep afar for foes. Unlike
partridges, they are not content with the grain in the stubble, but
will perch on the stooks at harvest-time, to attack the sheaves.
* * * * *