THE PINNATED GROUSE. 191 



gave my darling companion setters the very best oppor- 

 tunities of showing their sagacity and careful education ta 

 the greatest advantage. In alluding to the ruffled grouse, 

 I have stated that I do not believe this bird (the pinnated 

 grouse) so worthy of acclimatisation ; and why ? he dis- 

 regards distance in his late autumnal flights ; and there- 

 fore where shooting-ranges are limited by bounds, unless, 

 the proprietors on every side would mutually agree for 

 their protection, I fear that the labours of the introducer in 

 the cause of acclimatisation would be fraught with dis- 

 satisfaction. But for all that, the pinnated grouse is 

 deserving of attention ; for he is truly a most noble bird, 

 and affords the best of sport, till the cold winds preceding 

 winter cause them to pack, in the same manner as our red 

 and black game ; when their wariness becomes so great 

 that naught but quick shooting and Ely's green cartridges 

 are likely to help the labourer to produce a bag remunera- 

 tive for his toil. That this bird could be acclimatized here 

 there is no doubt, for he is capable of withstanding great 

 changes of temperature ; is not particular as to choice 

 of ground as long as it is open, and a sufficiency of food 

 can be obtained. 



Although its range now is confined to the prairie country 

 of the United States not being found, with two exceptions, 

 till the edge of the Grand Prairie is reached still formerly 

 it was equally abundant all over the open lands, on the 

 edge of the Atlantic sea-board ; still, however, Long Island 

 and Martha's vineyard possess some remnants, who long 

 since would have disappeared but for the protection and 

 care of the landowners, who have endeavoured to prevent, 



