244 ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS. 



until severe weather causes them to pack, the old males 

 and females are not found again together. 



In crossing the prairie, I have often come across the 

 hen engaged with the charge of her diminutive family, 

 and the anxiety and courage she will display if sud- 

 denly surprised, is truly amusing. But the young 

 are seldom in danger from man, for their powers of 

 concealment are wonderful, and unless aided by a 

 dog, it is impossible for a human being to find their 

 retreat. On several occasions I have jumped off my 

 shooting -pony, confident of success, but never succeeded 

 in their capture, unless on such occasions as one of my 

 setters was in company. 



By the first week in August they are capable of 

 short flights, when they do not much exceed our par- 

 tridge in size, and if shot thus early, which is too 

 frequently the case> it is difficult to imagine more 

 delicious food ; but they will not bear keeping, and 

 sooner taint than any other game-bird I am acquainted 

 with. In October they have attained full strength of 

 wing, becoming more difficult of approach daily till 

 severe weather has caused them to pack, when they 

 will seldom lie, either to dog or gun, unless when 

 feeding in tall corn or dusting themselves at mid-day 

 if there should chance to be a strong sun. 



Although the pinnated grouse seldom leave the open 



