THE RUFFED GROUSE, OR PARTRIDGE 135 



cayed and crumbling one, seeming to give the 

 preference to old oak-logs that are partly blended 

 with the soil. If a log to his taste cannot be 

 found, he sets up his altar on a rock, which be- 

 comes resonant beneath his fervent blows. Who 

 has seen the partridge drum? It is the next 

 thing to catching a weasel asleep, though by 

 much caution and tact it may be done. He does 

 not hug the log, but stands very erect, expands 

 his ruff, gives two introductory blows, pauses 

 half a second, and .then resumes, striking faster 

 and faster till the sound becomes a continuous, 

 unbroken whir, the whole lasting less than half 

 a minute. The tips of his wings barely brush the 

 log, so that the sound is produced rather by the 

 force of the blows upon the air and upon his 

 own body as in flying. One log will be used for 

 many years, though not by the same drummer. 

 It seems to be a sort of temple and held in great 

 respect. The bird always approaches on foot, 

 and leaves it in the same quiet manner, unless 

 rudely disturbed. He is very cunning, though his 

 wit is not profound. It is difficult to approach 

 him by stealth ; you will try many times before 

 succeeding; but seem to pass by him in a great 

 hurry, making all the noise possible, and with 

 plumage furled he stands as immovable as a knot, 

 allowing you a good view. 



