OF NORTH AMERICA. 109 
tecting laws, seek to remove the last of this 
race which once was found commonly dis- 
tributed over our land. 
There is a variety of the prairie hen which 
is found in the South, smaller and lighter in 
color. The characteristic bars are narrower, 
and brown or grayish, rather than black. The 
length is 15 to 17 inches, and the extent 27 
inches. Otherwise it differs, neither in habits 
nor appearance, from the usual form as com- 
monly seen. In fact, it is merely a form, 
which, by reason of its surroundings, has be- 
come changed from the original type, and 
being isolated from it, has in progress of time 
become perpetuated. 
121. SHARP-TAILED GROUSE. 
Pediocetes phasianellus. 
This is the northwestern representative of 
the prairie-chicken, and is somewhat similar 
in habits, but not at all in appearance. The 
predominant color is ashy-gray, marked with 
irregular spots and bars of black, white and 
tawny-brown. The underside is nearly white, 
and marked with U-shaped spots of brown. 
The throat is light buff color, and there is 
quite a pronounced crest on the top of the 
head. Unlike the preceding species of grouse, 
this bird has no neck ornaments, but a close ~ 
examination will disclose there the character- 
istic bare spots, which are seen during the 
breeding season. Two varieties have been 
