64 AMERICAN GAME BIRD SHOOTING. 



and the grain left in the stubble fields. They are said 

 to follow man wherever he goes, the proof of this being 

 furnished by their presence in several cultivated regions 

 beyond the Eocky Mountains where they were unknown 

 a few years ago. They have now been traced as far west- 

 ward as Nevada, and will, no doubt, soon be found 

 beyond the Sierra Nevadas, in California. The western 

 sportsmen have a saying that the pinnated grouse fol- 

 lows the railroad, whereas the sharp-tail flees before it, 

 and they infer from this that the former can thrive in 

 the vicinity of man, but that the latter cannot. 



Several experiments which have been made, prove that 

 it is readily susceptible to domestication, and that, in 

 contradistinction to the usual habits of its family, it will 

 not only pair but breed in confinement. Another great 

 advantage it possesses over its kindred is, that it is not 

 very migratory, and manifests no desire to leave the vicin- 

 ity of the barn-yard if it obtains plenty of its favorite 

 food, and an opportunity of taking an occasional run in 

 the grass. Its domestication would evidently prove 

 profitable, as it is very prolific, weighs from two to 

 nearly three pounds, and has white and succulent flesh. 

 One curious fact about the flesh is, that it often turns 

 dark after a few frosty nights, and loses much of its 

 pleasant flavor. Those who are ei^icurian in taste do not 

 like it so well then as in the earlier portion of the 

 season, so it may be said to be in prime condition only 

 between the fifteenth of August and the first or middle 

 of October. The shooting season really closes about 

 the first of November, for after that time the birds 

 become so wild that they will not lie well to the dogs ; 

 but persons who wish to try their skill at long ranges 

 will find this and the following month the best for their 

 purpose, provided they do not care for long tramping and 

 a small bag. When the shooting is about over the trap- 

 ping commences, for as soon as the snow causes the birds 



