THE PINNATED GKOUSE. 67 



When the packs are flushed on the prairie, they should 

 be marked down by some landmark, shrub, or clump of 

 weeds, if any are visible, for if the eyes are once lifted 

 from the spot in which they alight, it is difficult to find 

 it again, as the sea of grass looks so much alike that it is 

 liable to deceive the most experienced prairie traveller. 

 When they lie well to the dogs, it is better to allow them 

 some grace, when they are flushed, as a man is liable to 

 tear them badly with the shot if he fires at too close a 

 range. Dogs that are not acquainted with their habits 

 frequently flush them unintentionally, and when they do 

 this the alarmed packs cluck loudly, arouse all their con- 

 geners within hearing, and cause them to take wing, so 

 that a person may not be able to get half a dozen shots 

 during the morning. This readiness to flush is most 

 marked during the late autumn and winter, when they 

 are very wild, for the tone of the voice will rout them 

 then, even at a distance of a hundred yards or more. To 

 avoid making any noise, it is therefore necessary that the 

 dogs should be trained to hunt by the motion of the 

 hand, and to answer the whistle. Pointers are considered 

 better than setters for work on the prairie, especially in 

 warm weather, as their color is more conspicuous, and 

 they can go longer without water. A variety of the 

 pinnated grouse which bears the varietal name of 

 callidicinctus, is found in Texas. This differs from 

 the typical species only in being barred above with 

 pale ochraceous and dusky or blackish-brown, being 

 whitish beneatii, having narrow bars of pale grayish 

 brown, and being somewhat smaller. Both have the 

 same habits, and are shot in the same manner. In order 

 to thoroughly enjoy the pursuit of prairie chickens, 

 experienced sportsmen use an ojoen carriage or a wagon, 

 as this is necessary to transport the dogs, guns, and a keg 

 of water to the shooting grounds, if they are any way 

 distant; it also saves much needless walking, for while 



