Classic Poem

On Scotland's stormy hilltops the Ptarmigans alight,
And when the snow's their carpet their plumes are snowy white;
But when the snow is melted and hills are growing green
In greenish speckled garments the Ptarmigans are seen.

On Scotland's purple moorlands in Autumn's pleasant weather
Upsprings the whirring moorcock from out the fern and heather
His haunts are reddish russet and his feathers ruddy brown
But soon the Kite will seize him, or sportsman bring him down.

In woody dell or marsh land the darkest grouse are bred
In Devon's hilly region where frowning rocks are spread
About the dusky shingle and plashy banks of peat
They spread their sable pinions or glide with feathered feet.

Amid the bristling stubble or turnips' tender green
Dame Partridge with her speckled brood may frequently be seen:
In colour like the brown clods or buffish withered stalks
They flit before the farmer while o'er the field he walks.

How oft amid the brushwood in yellow tinted copse
The Pheasant's ruddy plumage is stained with ruddy drops;
Amid the golden harvest in safety he may steal
But when the sickle reaps it the bullet he must feel.