130 TWENTIETH CEK^TUUY CLASSICS 



This familiar game bird inhabits our fertile prairies, 

 seldom frequenting the timbered lands, except during 

 sleety storms, or when the ground is covered with snow. 

 Its flesh is dark, and it is not very highly esteemed as a 

 table bird. 



During the early breeding season they feed largely upon 

 grasshoppers, crickets and other forms of insect life, but 

 afterward chiefly upon our cultivated grains, gleaned 

 from the stubble in autumn and the corn fields in winter ; 

 they are also fond of tender buds, berries and fruits. 

 They run about much like our domestic fowls, but with a 

 more stately carriage. When flushed, rise from the ground 

 with a less whirring sound than the Ruffed Grouse or 

 Bob-white, and their flight is not as swift, but more pro- 

 tracted, and with less apparent effort, flapping and sailing 

 along, often to the distance of a mile or more. In the 

 fall the birds collect together, and remain in flocks until 

 the. warmth of spring quickens their blood, and awakes 

 the passions of love ; then, as with a view to fairness and 

 the survival of the fittest, they select a smooth, open court- 

 ship ground, (usually called a " scratching ground,") 

 where the males assemble at the early dawn, to vie with 

 each other in courage and pompous display, uttering at 

 the same time their love call, a loud booming noise; as 

 soon as this is heard by the hen birds desirous of mating, 

 they quietly put in an appearance, squat upon the ground, 

 apparently indifferent observers, until claimed by victo- 

 rious rivals, which they gladly accept, and receive their 

 caresses. I have often lain and watched their amorous 

 actions, described in so lifelike a manner by Audubon. 

 His statement that the vanquished and victors alike leave 



