Black Grouse (Tetrao tetrix), of which the male is called BLACKCOCK, and the female grey hen.

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1678.  Ray, Willughby’s Ornith., 173. The Heathcock or Black game or Grous, called by Turner the Morehen.

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1787.  G. White, Selborne, vi.

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1818.  Scott, Rob Roy, vii. The law against unauthorized destroyers of black-game, grouse, partridges, and hares.

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1879.  Daily News, 12 Aug., 5/1. The Twentieth when black game are (legally) fair game.

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