104 lewis's AMERICAN SPORTSMAN. 



means, in point of flavor to the ruffed grouse. We should re- 

 mcnil^er, however, that the flesh of the prairie-chicken is far more 

 tender and juicy during the months of August and September 

 than at any subsequent period. We at the eastward, therefore, 

 seldom if ever partake of them in their best condition, as the 

 ■weather is then too warm to admit of their transportation. 



At this time the flesh of the prairie-fowl is also light-colored, 

 whereas in the winter season, when we usually receive them from 

 the West, it becomes very dark, and is but little esteemed by those 

 accustomed to hunt them. 



OTHER VARIETIES. 



There are other varieties of grouse found within the limits of 

 the United States, two of which we Avill merely mention. They 

 are occasionally met with in the wilds of Maine and Massachu- 

 setts, but are more common in Canada. Their haunts are very 

 secluded, and they seldom encounter the form of a human being, 

 and consequently are not much alarmed at his presence. Their 

 flesh is dark, and resembles that of the prairie-hen : — Tetrao saliceti, 

 willow grouse ; and Tetrao Canadensis, the spotted or Canada 

 grouse. 



