376 New Species of Grouse from North America. 



The general plumage is dark and glossy, composed of alternate 

 bars of black and greyish brown. The head, neck, and breast, 

 are almost black ; the tail is entirely black. The upper and 

 under tail-coverts are black, terminated by a large white spot ; 

 and the lateral parts of the abdomen are likewise spotted with 

 white. It runs with great speed over shattered rocks and among 

 brushwood, and only uses its wings as a last effort to escape. 

 When raised, its flight is similar to that of the last-mentioned 

 species. Its alarm note is composed of two or three hollow 

 sounds, ending in a disagreeable grating noise, like the latter 

 part of the cry of the Guinea fowl. Like other birds of the 

 same genus, it builds on the ground, not unfrequently at the 

 foot of decayed stumps, or by the side of fallen timber, in the 

 mountain woods. Its nest is composed of dead leaves and grass, 

 and contains from five to seven eggs, of a dingy white colour, 

 not larger than those of our wood-pigeon. It is said to be one 

 of the most common birds in the valleys of the Rocky Moun- 

 tains, from Lat. 50 deg, to 54 deg. N., near the sources of the 

 Columbia. It probably inhabits still higher latitudes. — Mr 

 Wilson remarked, in conclusion : " I have little doubt that 

 some of these birds might be imported into this country, of 

 which the soil, climate, and natural productions, are not so dis- 

 similar to those of their native regions, as to preclude the hope 

 of a successful issue to an experiment of a very interesting na- 

 ture, which the wealth and zeal for field sports, inherited by 

 many of our aristocracy, would render easy, and which might 

 eventually prove of more permanent and substantial advantage. 

 Their importation would certainly form a fine addition to the 

 feathered game of Great Britain.'" 



