CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MALE GROUSE. 261 



then allow themselves to he shot down, one after the 

 other, to the extent of four or five shots, hefore they 

 become alarmed enough to take wing. At this time, 

 too, and through the winter, they frequently jpack to 

 the number of five or six hundred. 



On the prairie, at the back of West Columbia, on the 

 Brazos Kiver, and on Matagorda Prairie to the east of 

 the Colorado River, I have seen fully that number 

 flushed from the haw-bushes, when, after a few shots, 

 the ^pack ' has become thoroughly alarmed. 



The}^ are not in the least migratory ; for though they 

 may take long flights, being particularly strong on the 

 wing, they always return to their favourite prairie- 

 mounds for the breeding season. 



From their readiness to perch when flushed, or in 

 search of food, many have supposed that they roost in 

 trees ; but this is not the case, as 1 have frequently 

 disturbed a covey at night when I have been compelled 

 to ride across the prairies with only the stars, and my 

 knowledge of 'the lay of the land,' to guide my 

 course. 



One of the most singular characteristics of the male 

 bird are the two extraordinary pieces of loose skin on 

 either side of the neck, just below the tufts of neck- 

 feathers, which have given them the name oi pinnated. 

 Through the summer and winter the skin is of a 

 natural colour, but in the spring it becomes yellow, 

 and when these loose pieces of skin, or bags, are inflated. 



