UPLAND SHOOTING. 67 



male alone. In walking through the solitary woods frequented 

 by these birds, a stranger is surprised by suddenly hearing a 

 kind of thumping, very similar to that produced by striking two 

 full-blown ox-bladders together, but much louder ; the strokes 

 at first are slow and distinct, but gradually increase in rapidity, 

 till they run into each other : resembling the rumbling sound of 

 very distant thunder dying away gradually on the ear. After a 

 few minutes' pause, this is again repeated, and in a calm day 

 may be heard nearly a mile off. This drumming is most com- 

 mon in spring, and is the call of the cock to a favorite female. 

 It is produced in the following manner : The bird, standing on 

 an old prostrate log, generally in a retired and sheltered situa- 

 tion, lowers his wings, erects his expanded tail, contracts his 

 throat, elevates the two tufts of feathers on the neck, and 

 inflates his whole body something in the manner of a Turkey- 

 cock, strutting and wheeling about in great stateliness. After a 

 few manoeuvres of this kind he begins to strike with his stiffened 

 wings in short and quick strokes, which become more and more 

 rapid until they run into each other, as has been already describ- 

 ed. This is most common in the morning and evening, though I 

 have heard them drumming at all hours of the day. By means 

 of this, the gunner is led to his retreat, though to those unac- 

 quainted with the sound there is great deception in the supposed 

 distance, it generally appearing to be much nearer than it really 

 is. The Pheasant* begins to pair in April, and builds its nest 

 early in May. This is placed on the ground at the root of a 

 bush, old log, or other sheltered or solitary situation, well-sur- 

 rounded with withered leaves. Unlike that of the Quail, it is 

 open above, and is usually composed of dry leaves and grass. 

 The eggs are from nine to fifteen in number, of brownish-white, 

 without any spots, and nearly as large as those of a Pullet. The 

 young leave the nest as soon as hatched, and are directed by the 

 cluck of the mother, very much in the manner af the common 

 Hen. On being surprised, she exhibits all the distress and affec- 

 tionate manreuvres of the Quail, and most other birds, to lead you 

 * Au error I Tlie Ruffed Grouse is polygamous, and does not pair at all. 



