PINNATED GROUSE MIGRATORY BIRDS. 231 



broods are either entirely destroyed, or but few arrive at 

 maturity. The settlers shoot the hawks for the protec- 

 tion of their domestic fowls, and the grouse, thus indirectly 

 protected, increase with wonderful rapidity. It is found 

 in great numbers far up the Arkansas. 



There is nothing to warrant the belief that this grouse 

 will cross with the sharp- tailed ; but they are not only 

 found in the same localities, but I am assured by a keen 

 and observing sportsman that he has bagged the two birds 

 from the same pack at Omaha, Nebraska. 



MIGRATORY BIRDS. 



In spring and fall almost all kinds of migratory birds 

 pay a visit of greater or less duration to the plains. I 

 propose, however, to notice in detail only those birds which 

 breed upon the plains. These may be divided into ' game 

 birds,' or those which lie to the dog; and 'other birds' 

 which, though called ' game ' when killed, are not so in this 

 sportsmanlike sense. Of ' game birds ' proper there are, 

 besides the grouse, but three which are indigenous to the 

 plains. These are the turkey, the rock partridge, and the 

 quail. 



THE WILD TURKEY. 



Of all the game birds of the world the wild turkey 

 is undoubtedly the finest, not in splendour of plumage, 

 but in his magnificent proportions, and the sport he 

 affords the hunter. In size the wild turkey is simply 

 magnificent, the full-grown cock, when fat, not un- 

 frequently weighing from twenty to twenty-five pounds. 



His domestic habits are identical with those of the 

 tame turkey. They go in large flocks, are polygamous, 

 and the cocks are exceedingly pugnacious in the laying 

 season. The hen makes her nest on the ground, and is 



