THE CANADA GROUSE. 141 



the Rocky Mountains. They are common in many parts of 

 the Eastern Province of Canada, including the Montreal 

 and Quebec districts, and are found plentifully in 

 the neighbourhood of Lake Matapediac, the Marcouin 

 River, and the Magdalen River ; also near Penetan- 

 guishene, and in other parts of the Upper Province. 



It is a matter of congratulation to learn from the 

 Fifth Annual Report of the Montreal Game and Fish 

 Protection Club that this bird is increasing in numbers. 

 According to the above report, the destruction by snaring 

 appears to have lessened considerably of late years, and 

 if the amendment to the bill asked for were passed, and 

 snared game could be seized in the market, there is 

 no doubt that the practice would soon cease, and this 

 fine bird become exceedingly abundant. 



When disturbed the Spotted Grouse runs swiftly along 

 the ground, and does not take to the wing unless pressed; 

 then, rising with a clucking cry, it flies only a short 

 distance and rather heavily, generally settling in some 

 convenient tree where it is easily approached. I have 

 often heard Canadians and others repeat the assertion, 

 which is also common as regards the Ruffed Grouse, 

 that a whole covey, when treed, may be killed by merely 

 taking the precaution to shoot those on the lower 

 branches first; yet I have never been able to meet with 

 any well authenticated instance of its having been done. 



