186 PRAIRIE AND FOREST. 



on either side of the throat, and which, when inflated, 

 are as large in circumference as a man's finger, perfectly 

 free from feathers upon their surface, but hid when in 

 a state of quiescence by fan-shaped bunches of hackles 

 that completely cover them.* 



The pinnated grouse is about the size of our phea- 

 sant; however, they differ considerably, those birds 

 that inhabit southern Illinois being at least one-fourth 

 larger than those obtained in Minnesota, Wisconsin, 

 and the north-west prairies. They are of a beautiful 

 mottled brown and fawn colour, frequently with white 

 finger-marks on the upper portion of the wings and 

 back, are feathered down the legs to the feet, have 

 beautifully set-on small heads, with a slight crest, and 

 bright yellow iris. When standing, their attitude is 

 very erect, but graceful. On being flushed, they in- 

 variably cackle, and the flight, except of young birds, 

 is very long. In the commencement of the season, 

 and in fact as long as the weather is bright and mild, 

 they lie remarkably well to dogs ; but severe and cold 

 weather causes them to pack and become wild. How- 

 ever, late in October, or even in November, if you 

 should hit upon a warm, summer-like day, the birds 

 will become so disinclined for exertion between the 

 hours of 10 A.M. and 3 P.M., that marvellous bags can 

 be made. 



As food, this bird can favourably compare with 

 any of the grouse family, but is dissimilar in one 

 respect from all the others, that the sooner it is 

 cooked after being killed, the more delicate and 

 savoury it will be found. Even the skill of Delmonico 

 of New York, the justly-celebrated restaurant pro- 

 * The most killing hackles for tying trout-flies. 



