NATURAL HISTORY 



op 



GALLINACEOUS BIRDS. 



TETBAONID^: OR GROUSE. 



IN fulfilment of our promise stated at the conclu- 

 sion of the last volume, we now proceed to consider 

 another family among the Rasores or Gallinaceous 

 birds the Tetraonidce or Grouse.* 



The Tetraonidse or Grouse contain the principal 

 part of those hirds which, in sporting language, have 

 been called game. Very few of these have been do- 

 mesticated for the use of man, but their preservation 

 in a wild state, and means for an abundant capture, 

 have in all ages exercised the ingenuity of the inha- 

 bitants of civilized districts, and at this time form a 

 large account in the luxuries of populous cities ; while 

 in countries in a state of purer nature, they are much 

 used as a wholesome and general food. 



* Mr Selby has undertaken the description of the beau- 

 tiful Columbidae or Pigeons ; and Thirty Drawings from the 

 pencil of Mr Lear are now in the hands of the engraver. 



