PRAIRIE HEN. II! 
At one time this bird was dispersed over a large part 
of the eastern United States, and was by no means es- 
pecially a prairie dweller, but it is difficult to ascer- 
tain where its limits and those of the Heath Hen, now 
restricted to Martha’s Vineyard, originally were, but 
probably somewhere along the boundaries of the Middle 
States. I do not imagine the Heath Hen was more of 
a woodland species than is the Prairie Chicken, but both 
dwelt among the open woods if there were any within 
their range. In the spring, in the early mornings, 
throughout the country which this species inhabits, soon 
after daybreak, is heard the loud booming of the males, 
when, assembled upon some slight elevations in the prat- 
rie, they inflate and exhaust the yellow sacs on either side 
of the neck, producing, as the orange-colored bladder 
collapses, a low, booming sound that can be heard for 
a long distance. The lengthened feathers on the neck 
at such times are elevated and projected stiffly forward, 
almost meeting above the head. When their sacs are 
fully extended the bird has a most comical appearance, 
as his head nearly disappears between the enormous 
globes which stand out in either side until his neck has 
as large a diameter as his body. The tail is raised above 
the back and spread out to its fullest extent, and the 
wings are lowered with the primaries scraping along 
the ground. In this uncomfortable attitude the male 
struts before the females, who at first take but little 
interest in the exhibition and hardly deign a glance 
at their adorer, striving so hard to appear magnificent 
and attractive. He makes a sudden rush forward, dart- 
ing fiery glances from his eyes, peering out from beneath 
the neck feathers, anxiously watching the effect his strik- 
ing appearance is having upon the fair ones, and then, 
lowering his bill toward the ground and spreading the 
