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PTARMIGAN.

In the genus of the grouse, to which this neatly-
plumaged bird belongs, the legs and toes are completely
covered with feathers to the very claws, and this warm
covering becomes thicker in winter, when its use to the
bird is greater; living, as it does, ‘mong the snow, to
which its white colour assimilates.

“One of the most remarkable facts connected with
the. history of this species is its change from a rich and
spotted livery, its summer dress, to one of pure white.
In spring, for example, the plumage is varied with black
and deep reddish yellow, the quill feathers being white
with black shafts. Towards autumn the yellow gi¥es
place to greyish white, and the black spots become
irregularly broken, till at last they disappear, the plumage
whitening to the purity of snow; at the same time it
acquires greater fullness, and the legs and feet are so
‘densely clad, as to resemble those of a hare. As spring
returns, the ptarmigan begins to lose the pure white of
its plumage, and regain its summer dress.

Of the number of ptarmigans imported during the
latter part of the winter and early in the spring from
Norway, Sweden, etc., to the London market, few persons
have any idea. ‘Qn one occasion,’ says Mr. Yarrell, .
‘late in the spring. of 1839, one party shipped six thou-
sand ptarmigans for London, two thousand for Hall,
and two thousand for Liverpool; and at the end of
February, or very early in March, of the year 1840,
one salesman in: Leadenhall market received fifteen
thousand ptarmigans that had been consigned to him;