196 PEAIKIE AND FOREST. 



game, which once were to be found in abundance in almost 

 every section of the country, so was the prairie chicken ; 

 but as civilization and population have increased, in such 

 a ratio their numbers have diminished. In Kentucky, 

 forty years ago, they abounded ; it is more than doubtful 

 that one can now be found in that State. The pinnated 

 grouse has abandoned its old haunts, like the Indian, and 

 removes every season farther to the westward, to avoid the 

 society of the pale-faced interloper. Fortunately, all game 

 does not thus dread the stranger's presence, for as civiliza- 

 tion increases, so does the partridge, and the familiar call 

 of Bob White will soon entirely supplant the deep, musical, 

 but strange booing of the prairie fowl east of the Mississipi. 



To get sport now-a-days, the ultimate western edge of 

 Indiana and the State of Illinois, for the eastern sportsman, 

 are undoubtedly the nearest points; but even after having 

 travelled thus far, if you desire results commensurate with 

 your trouble, rest not near the track of the iron horse, but 

 pursue, to the right or left, your course till you find people 

 who still talk of the cars* as seven-day wonders, and report 

 as a marvel, that one still night, a month ago, Hans or 

 Jaques heard them whistle. When such originals have 

 been found, if heavy bags are desired, till then, and not till 

 then, call a halt. 



The prairie fowl are very erratic in their habits, and the 

 situations in which they abound one season may be almost 

 entirely deserted the next. It has often puzzled me to 

 account for this strange uncertainty in their choice, and I 



* Railroads. 



