212 The Grouse Family 



sage is for the bird, so the bird is for the sage. 

 Its coloration so perfectly harmonizes with the 

 general dusty gray tone of its surroundings, that 

 when the bird, large though it be, is crouched 

 among sparse herbage, it is difficult to make out 

 even when but a few yards away. When stand- 

 ing erect, or moving, it is conspicuous, as a turkey 

 would be on a stubble, but the instant it squats it 

 vanishes as though the alkali soil had swallowed 

 it. In its digestive apparatus, too, will be found 

 evidence of nature's wisdom. Contrary to the 

 usual rule among its kin, it lacks a true gizzard, 

 but it has a peculiar stomach, which is admirably 

 fitted for its chief purpose, the digesting of sage 

 leaves, insects, berries, and the seeds and foliage 

 of various plants. I have heard plainsmen aver 

 that a " feed of grain will kill a sage-hen," but this 

 is erroneous, for the bird will not only eat wheat, 

 but apparently thrive upon it, at least for a time. 

 Whether it could stand a continuous grain diet 

 without an occasional supply of its beloved sage, 

 is, perhaps, a matter which has not been thor- 

 oughly tested. In any event the bird is typical 

 of the wastes of sage which occupy no inconsider- 

 able portion of the West and Southwest of this 

 country, and of the dominion to the north. 



It is an extremely hardy bird and able to get 

 along with but little water, although a free and 

 regular drinker when the opportunity is offered. 



