SETTLING THEIE DIFFERENCES. 41 



t 



whether it is to intimidate the cocks and keep 

 them off, or whether it is to proclaim his near 

 proximity to the hen, or whether it is a sexual 

 performance to demonstrate his love and devo- 

 tion, are matters that the bird alone can answer. 

 If he knew how constantly the sound betrayed 

 him to the crafty savage, I rather think he would 

 adopt a more silent system. Guided by the 

 drumming, the redskin creeps like a weasel 

 through grass and bush upon the unsuspecting 

 bird, and, sending an arrow whistling through its 

 ribs, - or half a dozen buck-shot from an old trade - 

 gun, thus stops his fun, and ' turns his thoughts 

 from mirth to gravity.' 



I have often seen cocks fight furiously during 

 the pairing season, and their manner of adjusting 

 their little differences is much after the fashion 

 of our gamecocks. That old maxim, ' None but 

 the brave deserve the fair,' is evidently a great 

 grouse principle. Ruffing up their necks, head 

 and back almost in a straight line, tail up, legs 

 stiff, and wings dropped, they circle round and 

 round each other, striking and pecking until the 

 vanquished hides anything but his diminished 

 head, and the victor bolts upon a log and drums 

 furiously. 



The nest is complete about the end of May. It 



