PINNATED GROUS. 663 



of Indiana, and as far south as Nashville in Tennessee ; 

 but I believe, no where more abundant than in the plains 

 of Missouri, whence they continue to the Rocky Moun- 

 tains, and are even found in the remote region of Oregon. 

 Dislike of moisture, as with the Turkey, but principally " 

 the nature of their food, appears to influence them in the 

 choice of their resort. The small acorns of the dwarf 

 oaks, and various kinds of wild fruits, as strawberries, 

 whortle-berries, and partridge-berries, with occasional 

 insects, abounding in these wooded thickets, appear to 

 be the principal inducement to their residence ; from 

 which they rarely wander at any season, unless compel- 

 led by a failure of their usual food, and so become, not- 

 withstanding the almost inaccessible nature of the ground, 

 a sure prey to the greedy and exterminating hunter. In 

 the Western States, where they appear as an abundant 

 species, they are, at times, observed to traverse the plains 

 and even cross extensive rivers in quest of the means of 

 subsistence. In winter they likewise feed on buds as well 

 as mast, sometimes swallowing leaves, and occasion- 

 ally the buds of the pine. At times, if convenient, they 

 have been known to visit the buck-wheat field, for their 

 fare, or even devour the leaves of clover. In wintry storms 

 they seek shelter by perching in the evergreens ; but in 

 spring and summer they often roost on the ground in 

 company. They feed mostly in the morning and evening ; 

 and when they can stir abroad without material molesta- 

 tion, they often visit arable lands in the vicinity of their 

 retreats. In the inclemency of winter, like the Quail, 

 they approach the barn, basking and perching on the 

 fences, occasionally venturing to mix with the poul- 

 try in their repast ; and are then often taken in traps. 



The season for pairing is early in the spring, in March 

 or April. At this time the behaviour of the male be- 



