PARTRIDGE-SHOOTING. 117 



when the snow is new and soft, these birds will some- 

 times dive into it to conceal their bodies, in which 

 position they are easily bagged. 



The sportsman's success in shooting ruffed grouse 

 or partridge is quite uncertain, as they are so wild and 

 wary that, unless they are numerous and have plenty 

 of good thick cover to hide in, they will not let the 

 dog approach near enough for a point. Some dogs 

 are specially trained for them, and can make a point 

 at long distances. After being once flushed, they break 

 up and scatter wildly, and it is very hard to find any 

 of them again, as they make long flights. Unless they 

 are hunted when the young birds are nearly grown, and 

 before the brood is broken up, it hardly pays for the 

 sportsman to hunt them as a specialty. 



Partridges feed in the grain-fields, much like the 

 quail, and also in the woods on wild grapes and whor- 

 tleberries. In midwinter, when the ground is covered 

 with snow, they live on alder and laurel buds, and at 

 such times their flesh is somewhat bitter. Some 

 imagine that at this season they are not wholesome 

 food ; but I have frequently killed and eaten them 

 in winter, without experiencing any unpleasant con- 

 sequences. 



There are several varieties of ruffed grouse or par- 

 tridges in the United States. The red-necked spruce 

 (also called partridges) are found in the northern parts 

 of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. They are 

 but little sought for by sportsmen. A few have found 

 their way into the Boston market during the past 

 winter, but they do not meet with a ready sale, being 



