THK AXULKK AND HTXTSMAX 171 



It is exceedingly difficult to flush them without the 

 aid of a dog, which, therefore, is an asset in their pursuit 

 the hunter cannot afford to be without. 



Once flushed, the rail family are dead easy targets, be- 

 ing very slow of wing, and able to fly only a short distance. 

 The worst shot in the world should have no trouble in get- 

 ting his share of them. 



There are several kinds of lesser rails, including Clap- 

 per Rails, California Clapper Rails, Carolina Rails, Vir- 

 ginia Rails, Yellow Rails and Black Rails. 



Ruffed Grouse: (Bonasa umbellus umbellus). 



This splendid .game bird is classed by a great many 

 sportsmen as -America's most popular game target that 

 flies. The family embraces several strains, but the ruffed 

 grouse is the recognized leader of them all. They are found 

 in wooded country, usually, and it requires a quick eye and 

 a steady nerve to bring them down, as they rise with a thun- 

 derous roar and rush that often "gets the goat" of the nov- 

 ice. These birds are found throughout the northern half 

 of the United States and in the southern half of Canada, in 

 wooded cover. 



Who has not heard Mr. Grouse drumming on a log in 

 springtime, which is a sure sign the warm days of spring are 

 with us once again ? This remarkable bird is beloved of all 

 sportsmen, and we regret to see their numbers decimated as 

 they have doubtless been in recent years. It is a game bird 

 that adds a touch of spirited life to many a lonely glade 

 and glen. 



In hunting grouse a good dog Setter or Pointer is in- 

 dispensable. A careful, slow-working, steady dog, staunch 

 on point, is required. 



Prairie Chicken, "Tympanuchus americanus": 



Prairie chickens lie well to the dog, and are usually 

 found in open, easily traveled country. It is useless to try 



