CORRESPONDKNCE 277 



recollect once asking you whether you had ever obtained it. I 

 am satisfied you will get more. It is a difficult bird to get here, 

 and I do not know of any one obtaining it in this state, although 

 the other common species is sometimes met with in the northern 

 woods. 



Writing under date of March G, 18G3, Mr. Elliot says : 

 ' ' Mr. Krider is here and went over my collection last 

 evening. He found a good many desirable birds, but 

 also some of the commonest wanting. That is always 

 the way, we try so hard to get the rare ones that we over- 

 look those that fly before our eyes every day. Can you 

 tell me if the Spruce Grouse become blacker upon the 

 breast (I speak of the males) as they increase in age? 

 It appears to me that such is the case, but I would like 

 to have the opinion of one who has observed them in 

 their accustomed haunts." 



On August 13, 1863, Mr. Elliot received from Mr. 

 Boardman a young Spruce Grouse with other skins, 

 and sending his thanks says : "I was, as you may sup- 

 pose, delighted to see the chick and I would congratulate 

 you upon your success in making up the skins for I 

 think they are admirably done. I shall proceed immedi- 

 ately to make a drawing of the Spruce Grouse and hope 

 when you come to New York in the fall to be able to 

 show you the plate." In this same letter Mr. Elliot 

 continues: "I notice your list of European Grouse, 

 etc. I should like to see your Lagopus Alpina in full 

 summer plumage. Can you be sure of the locality from 

 whence they come ? It appears to me from my researches 

 so far, that there is no good species of that name, but it 

 is only our I,. Albus. Perhaps your specimens might 

 throw some light on the subject, particularly if they are 

 European. All the other species you mentioned I have." 



