372 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



left. I have seen grouse on a few occasions dive into the snow on a hill- 

 side or at the foot of a tree, and this seems to be their usual method of 

 going to bed in the coldest winter weather, for, by studying the records 

 in the snow, it is evident that they do not walk to their sleeping place 

 but dive into it from a neighboring tree, a habit which undoubtedly saves- 



Specimens of Ruffed srouse, Bonasa umbelius, from New York State showing Rradation from B. u. timbellus on 

 the riKht (Bergen, Genesee county), to B. u. togata on the left (Upper Ausable lake). The intermediates are from 

 Sarat^jga county and southern Ontario county. 



them from being tracked by hungry foxes and weasels. When leaving their 

 couch in the snow they come out two or three steps before taking wing, 

 but if disturbed they spring directly out of the snow as I have seen them 

 do on many occasions. In the coldest weather they remain in the snow 

 until late in the morning, and in the worst weather perhaps for two or 

 three days, in this manner being protected from the extreme cold. Some 



