Lake Maxinkuckee, Physical and Biological Survey 537 



numerous than now. Favorite places, where one or more might 

 be flushed at any time were the swampy thicket at the edge of an 

 old field between Murray's and Farrar's, the old kettle holes in 

 Walley's woods, the heavy woods northeast of the lake, and the 

 tamarack swamp west of the lake. 



In the spring of the year, particularly in April, and again in 

 October, they could be heard drumming. One was observed fight- 

 ing off a black snake which was trying to get its eggs. The snake 

 was shot and the grouse after a moment of astonishment, feigned 

 lameness and hobbled slowly away. 



Only the most rigid enforcement of a closed period of several 

 years can save this splendid game bird from extinction. With 

 proper protection it can again become an abundant bird in this 

 region where there yet remain many very favorable situations. 



56. PRAIRIE CHICKEN 



TYMPANUCHUS AMERICANUS (Reichenbach) 



At one time a common species in the prairie west of the lake, 

 but now very rare. On April 6 and 7, 1885, one or more were 

 seen. On February 9, 1901, one flew over Long Point, and two 

 weeks later they were heard calling. One seen southwest of the 

 lake October 12, 1913. 



In 1910, the Indiana State Legislature made it unlawful to 

 kill prairie chickens at any time prior to 1915. The wisdom of 

 this law is already evident. In all the prairie parts of the State 

 prairie chickens are reported to have increased greatly; in many 

 places they are very abundant. During our recent visit to Lake 

 Maxinkuckee (September 2 to October 31, 1913), we did not visit 

 the region west of the lake but we were told that prairie chickens 

 are now quite plentiful there. 



57. WILD TURKEY 



MELEAGRIS GALLOPAVO SILVESTRIS Vieillot 



In all probability now wholly extinct in this region, as it is in 

 most parts of the State. 



The late Mr. James Green, long a resident on the west shore 

 of the lake, told us that he saw wild turkeys near the lake many 

 years ago. On one occasion he observed a flock on Long Point. 

 When they were frightened they attempted to fly across the lake 

 to the east, but a portion of the flock found the distance too great 

 and, falling into the water, were caught. 



