Ruffed Grouse. 



235 



RUFFED GROUSE IN SPRING-TIME. 

 Two Males Displaying Their Graces Before a Lone Female. 



movements. In the former dilemma, enamored of so many, 

 he is sometimes disposed to be gay and trifling, dallying 

 with the affections of some pure, simple-minded female. The 

 most cruel flirtations are often indulged in. But when he 

 does bring himself earnestly down to the business of choos- 

 ing a partner, he does not go about it in an uncertain, hesi- 

 tating manner, but makes his selection with promptness and 

 dispatch. The successful female, proud of the honor con- 

 ferred, at the call of her lord, forsakes the group of her 

 unmarried sisters, and follows wheresoever he leadeth. The 

 warmest tokens of affection and regard are lavished upon the 

 elected bride, and woe to the rival who should appear upon 

 the scene while these amours are being enacted. Should 

 this event occur, the intruder is instantly assailed, and a 



