164 FRANKLIN'S GROUSE. 



Between the Cascades and Rocky Mountains 

 this larger grouse seems to be replaced by, if not 

 a distinct species, a very well-marked variety. In 

 size it is a trifle smaller, but the great mark of 

 distinction is the entire absence of the white 

 band at the end of the tail. Finding, however, 

 in some mature birds a trace of white, I hesitate 

 as to making it a new species. The young 

 nestlings, eggs, and mature male and female 

 birds, from east of the Cascades, are in the 

 British Museum, as well as others from the west 

 or coast slope. In habits, periods of arrival and 

 departure (or perhaps appearance and disappear- 

 ance would be the more correct expressions), the 

 two species or varieties are in every respect 

 similar. Where they go during the winter I 

 cannot imagine ; the Indians say they go to sleep 

 in the pine-trees. I do not think they migrate, 

 but only retire into the very thickest trees, and, 

 living on the fronds, pass the winter thus sheltered 

 in the bush. 



FRANKLIN'S GROUSE (Tetrao fraiiklinii, Doug- 

 las). I believe this bird is but rarely found west 

 of the Cascades ; but on the eastern side, and along 

 the whole district lying between the Cascades 

 and Rocky Mountains, it is tolerably abundant, 

 always keeping in the mountains, often as high as 



