RUFFED GROUS. 19 



spersed, the latter, or Pheasant, was frequently met with; but 

 not a single individual of the former. 



The native haunts of the Pheasant being a cold, high, moun- 

 tainous and woody country, it is natural to expect that as we 

 descend thence to the sea shores, and the low, flat and warm 

 climate of the southern states, these birds should become more 

 rare, and such indeed is the case. In the lower parts of Caro- 

 lina, Georgia and Florid*, they are very seldom observed; but 

 as we advance inland to the mountains, they again make their 

 appearance. In the lower parts of New Jersey we indeed oc- 

 casionally meet with them; but this is owing to the more north- 

 erly situation of the country; for even here they are far less nu- 

 merous than among the mountains. 



Dr. Turton, and several other English writers, have spoken 

 of a Long-tailed Grous, said to inhabit the back parts of Virgi- 

 nia, which can be no other than the present species, there being, 

 as far as I am acquainted, only these two, the Ruffed and Pin- 

 nated Grous, found native within the United States. 



The manners of the Pheasant are solitary; they are seldom 

 found in coveys of more than four or five together, and more 

 usually in pairs or singly. They leave their sequestered haunts 

 in the woods early in the morning, and seek the path or road, 

 to pick up gravel, and glean among the droppings of the horses. 

 In travelling among the mountains that bound the Susquehanna, 

 I was always able to furnish myself with an abundant supply of 

 these birds, every morning, without leaving the path. If the 

 weather be foggy, or lowering, they are sure to be seen in such 

 situations. They generally move along with great stateliness, 

 their broad fan-like tail spread out in the manner exhibited in 

 the drawing. The drumming, as it is usually called, of the 

 Pheasant, is another singularity of this species. This is per- 

 formed by the male alone. In walking through 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 



