158 AMERICAN GAME BIRD SHOOTING. 



a terse and truthful manner. Should a female answer 

 the roll-call, instead of a fierce rival, how different is the 

 meeting between the pair. On approaching the drum- 

 ming log she moves cautiously, yet steadily, and indulges 

 in the most coquettish antics. Looking as demure and 

 indifferent as possible, she pecks listlessly at the leaves, 

 scratches up imaginary worms and seeds, and dawdles on 

 the way; but the booming music still lures her on until 

 she reaches the residence of the drummer, but even there 

 she feigns to be totally unconscious of his presence and 

 to see insects on every leaf or blade of grass. The gal- 

 lant musician, on seeing this russet dame, swells Avith 

 pride; he raises his ruff, expands his erect tail, droops 

 his wings until they sweep the log, and parades before 

 her in all his pomp and glory. She lifts her mild- 

 brown eyes, in Avhich the forest is reflected, to gaze 

 on his bold mien and gaudy raiment, and when he sees 

 that she admires him he greets her with clucks of wel- 

 come, and, after giving her some more music, descends 

 from his throne, salutes her, and both live hapi:)ily until 

 the nesting season is over, unless some rival should ar- 

 rive on the scene and kick him away before he has been 

 accepted for better or worse. 



When the birds have paired, the hen builds a nest on 

 the ground with twigs and grass, and lays ten or twelve 

 eggs of a creamy-brown color in it. If these are hatched 

 out she is content, but if they are destroyed she seeks 

 the male and lays another set. This is why so many 

 Aveak young birds are to be seen in October, when the 

 early broods are as well able to take care of themselves as 

 their parents. The habits of the hen when running with 

 her chicks are most interesting to study. She is cease- 

 less in her activity, sagacious in finding food, bold and 

 ready of stratagem in danger, and daring in her efforts 

 to protect her little brood from all harm. When her 

 fears are aroused, she clucks a prompt note of alarm 



