OF NATURAL HISTORY OF CANADA 



31 



RUFFED GROUSE (Bonasa umbellus) 



This, the partridge of the northern woods may well Ise termed 

 the prince of American game birds. Its high position, however, 

 is likely soon to be vacant and its place taken by some lesser mem- 

 ber of the game bird galaxy unless vigorous efforts are made to 

 check its decrease. Possessed of a vigorous constitution which 

 enables the bird to brave the northern winter and defy all ordinarj^ 

 vicissitudes of weather, vigilant and shy where much persecuted, 

 strong of wing and skilled in mam- a while bj- means of which to 

 elude the sportsman and his keen-scented dog, our partridge is 

 well equipped to make a brave fight for existence. And how 

 bravely it faced its fate ! Though usualh' a resident of forested 

 tracts it is amazing how long the ruffed grouse will continue 

 to live is leafy swamps of a few acres, or on little wooded 

 islands, mere relics of its former domain. Gun and dog, natural 

 diseases, sleety storms, and unfavorable breeding seasons are most 

 potent for harm, while the high price placed on its flesh in the market 

 is having its natural effect. In much of its range little time remains 

 in which to save it. It is non-migratory, and hence only the States 

 in which it lives can avert its impending doom. That the bird can 

 be propagated in confinement is much in its favor, and a little of 

 the money spent in attempts to introduce foreing game birds 

 would go a long way toward rehabihtating the partridge. No sound 

 that echoes through our woods has quite the effect on the wayside 

 stroller as the martial summons of the ruffed grouse, and it will 

 be thrice pity if future generations must miss the spring and fall 

 roll call of this woodland drummer. 



(Henry W. Henshaw) 



Young Antelope in Buffalo Park. Wainright. Alberta 



