The Ruffed Grouse and Grouse Shooting 293 



The ruffed grouse builds a leaf-lined nest upon 

 the ground, usually at the base of some tree, or 

 beside a log. The eggs number from eight to 

 fourteen, and are buff-colored, which greatly aids 

 their concealment where old leaves are apt to be 

 lying about. The young are active and very clever 

 at hiding, which is aided by the general brownish 

 effect of the downy covering. The mother is a 

 devoted parent, never hesitating to throw herself 

 in the path of an intruder and, by simulating lame- 

 ness, endeavoring to draw the danger toward herself. 

 This pretty deceit is one of the most touching 

 sights which reward the observant bird-lover. The 

 young usually remain together until the late fall, 

 and, if undisturbed, perhaps throughout the winter. 



The turning of the leaf brings the sportsman's 

 merry season. In the mellow beauty of brave 

 old autumn's ruddy prime comes the cream of the 

 grouse shooting, although the sport continues until 

 the white, sharp days of the sterner season. Let 

 one day serve as a picture of it at its best. 

 ****** 



To Doc's great astonishment, I am at last half 

 ready when the trap pulls up at the gate. Old 

 Mark, the great roan king of the native setters, 

 rests his broad muzzle upon the dash-board and 

 with a thump of his tail bids me welcome. At 

 my heels is Don, cold-nosed, wire-thewed, keen as 

 a spring. In fact his plainly prominent ribs sug- 

 gest that a spiral spring might have constituted 

 his last meal, but his eyes are clear as morning 

 drops on grass, and his lemon head and snow- 

 white body shine like satin. 



