HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 



347 



which thej are easily reconciled, for eight or nine 

 years, and showed no propensity to torpidity. The 

 fleetness with which they move, and the peculiarity of 

 their insect fare, are circumstances which would impel 

 a prompt transition to more favorable climates. Acci- 

 dental fits of torpidity, like those which occasionally 

 and transiently take place with the Humming Bird, 

 have undoubtedly happened to Swallows, without 

 proving any thing against the general migrating 

 instinct of the species. 



The Kingfisher {Aleedo Alci/on), is very common on 

 the banks of the rivers and Avater-courses of California. 

 The Night Hawk {^Caprhnulgus Virginianus)^ is also 

 common. 



RUFFED GROUSE. 



Mr. Farnham says that there is probably no coun- 

 try in the world which produces so many varieties of 

 the Grouse, and in so great numbers as California. 

 The Great Cock of the Plains [Tetrao Urophasianus), 

 second only in size and beauty to the cock of the 

 "Woods of Europe, is plentiful in Northern California. 

 He is thirty inches long, nearly four feet in extent, 

 and weighs from seven to ten pounds. The Dusky 



