232 Life and Immortality. 



near, is rendered subservient. There they manage to conceal 

 themselves for a time and thus recover breath. Closely pur- 

 sued, and in danger of being trampled upon by the foot of 

 the huntsman or lacerated by the fangs of his quadrupedal 

 friend, they await the opportune moment, when, with sudden 

 whirring wings, they cleave the elastic ether and vigorously 

 press forward to some transitory haven of security, but only 

 to fall once more in the way of their relentless persecutors. 

 These flights are so well timed and so unexpected that many 

 an experienced gunner is thrown off his guard, and when, 

 at last, he has recovered from his surprise and collected his 

 thoughts, feels vexed at himself for allowing his equanimity 

 to become unsettled by so familiar a stratagem. He finds it 

 useless to repine, but endeavors to choke down the bitter 

 sigh of disappointment that arises as he presses forward to 

 further adventures. 



Like the common barnyard fowl, these Grouse are strictly 

 gregarious, especially during the autumnal and winter 

 months. The flocks they form vary in numbers, and when 

 disturbed, while feeding, scatter in all directions, each mem- 

 ber seeking only its own individual safety and well-being. 

 But after the lapse of a few minutes, becoming reassured, 

 they gather simultaneously about the same spot, travelling 

 the entire distance on foot. The utmost circumspection and 

 vigilance are always exercised in these backward movements. 

 Scarcity of food occasionally causes these birds, where very 

 numerous in mountainous districts, to migrate to other 

 places. These journeys are usually undertaken about the 

 middle of October, they then being in excellent order and 

 in great demand for the table. Audubon witnessed, in the 

 fall of 1820, an immense number in transitu from Ohio, 

 Indiana and Illinois to Kentucky, many of whom became a 

 prey to man. This disposition to lead a roving, migratory 

 life is, as a general thing, not hereditary, and consequently 

 is seldom undertaken, plenty of food usually being found in 

 localities which these birds affect. 



