642 



North American Grouse. 



THE DRUMMING-LOG. 



is only heard at night. Usually the same cock continues to use 

 the same log, but he will sound his call from any other place as 

 well, the noise being produced by the blow of the wing against the 

 body. When its mate hears the drumming, she slowly approaches, 

 and, coquettishly picking at seeds she does not want, comes within 

 sight of the drumming-log. A snail is on the May-apple plant right 

 before her ; she pecks at it three times before hitting it, and then 

 scratches negligently at imaginary seeds. The cock raises his ruff 

 till it looks like Queen Elizabeth's ; the yellow skin beneath flushes 

 with pride ; he spreads his tail like a fan ; he thrums his guitar, 

 clucks an introductory welcome or two, and launches himself out 

 and flies to his bride. If, however, another cock hears the drumming, 

 he feels insulted at the sound on what he considers his own domain. 

 He flies to the drumming-log and dashes at the brave drummer, 



