SHOOTING THE PRAIRIE GROUSE 421 
was passed by nearly the whole party, within thirty 
feet, in open ground. I noticed him as soon, per- 
haps, as he saw us, and waited to watch his movements. 
As the train approached he sank down on the ground, 
depressing his head, and lying as motionless as a stick 
or root, which he greatly resembled. After the party 
had passed I moved toward him, when he depressed 
his head till it rested on the ground, and evidently 
made himself as small as possible. He did not move 
till I had approached within fifteen feet of him, when 
he arose, and I shot him. He was in fine plumage, and 
weighed over five pounds,” 
