230 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF CANADA. 
of Manitoba gives a circumstantial account of the introduction of 
this bird into Manitoba, and shows that its first recorded appearance 
was in 1881 when one specimen was shot near Winnipeg. In the 
autumn of 1882 one specimen was shot at Portage la Prairie. From 
that time on it became more and more abundant in Manitoba, and 
in the autumn of 1895 the writer saw one in the flesh killed at Indian 
Head, Sask. This species seems to be a true prairie bird as observers 
speak of it always being found in the open, even in the severest 
weather. 
Rapidly increasing in numbers with the spread of settlement in 
Manitoba and the west preferring cultivated lands. It is resident 
wherever found and will scratch through a considerable depth of snow 
for food in stubble fields and on ploughed lands, seldom feeding in 
the bush from wild food. I have specimens from southern Sas- 
katchewan where the bird is making its way in from Dakota. 
(Atkinson.) This bird has to a large extent taken the place of the 
sharp-tailed grouse in Manitoba. Nests have been found in long 
grass and in stubble fields. (Criddle.) 
CXXXIII. PEDIGECETES Barrp. 1838. 
308. Northern Sharp-tailed Grouse. 
Pediecetes phasianellus (LINN.) ELLIOT. 1862. 
One specimen taken at the Saguenay river; another was ex- 
posed for sale in the market of Quebec, 1887; Mr. Cooper says 
it has been taken in the valley of Lake St. John. (Dzonne.) Re- 
ported as being found on the market at Sault Ste. Marie by Mr. 
Bampton. (MclIlwraith.) Only one observed during the trip 
to Labrador in 1896. This specimen was shot, June 18th, a short 
distance south of Fort George. Said to be common at Moose 
Factory and Fort George in winter. Common on James bay from 
the mouth of Hannah river to East Point. Young able to fly July 8th, 
1904. On Oct. 13th, 1896, a specimen was brought to me at Beau- 
maris, Muskoka lake, Ont. It had been killed within a mile of the 
place. Shortly afterwards I heard of two more being taken by Mr. 
Fraser, of Port Cockburn, at the head of Lake Joseph. Also of one 
or more at Bracebridge and several at Parry Sound. The bird I 
handled was a very dark bird and it is evidently to be classed with 
the northern variety. Since the above captures I have not heard 
