118 UPLAND GAME BIRDS 



Of the really conspicuous members of the Plains fauna- 

 buffalo, antelope, elk, coyote, gray wolf, swift fox, jack "rab- 

 bit," prairie-" dog," and Sage Grouse all have vanished from 

 frequent sight save the last "dog," and some have wholly 

 disappeared. In riding in October, 1901, from Miles City to 

 the Missouri River and back, about 250 miles all told, we 

 saw only three coyotes, one gray wolf, and four prairie hares. 

 Cotton-tail rabbits abounded in the bad lands, and we saw 

 about six flocks of Sage Grouse a very small number for so 

 much territory. 



One of those flocks, however, was a sight to be remem- 

 bered. In the valley of the Little Dry it spread out in open 

 order, on a level flat that was carpeted with short, gray 

 buffalo-grass, and dotted here and there with low clumps of 

 sage-brush. Halting the outfit wagon I slowly rode forward 

 until within thirty feet of the vanguard of the flock. There 

 were forty-six birds, and all were on dress parade. They 

 stood proudly erect, headed across the trail, marched forward 

 in a slow and stately manner, and every weather eye was kept 

 on me. The majority were big, long-tailed cocks. At last 

 the parade terminated in the flight of the birds nearest me, 

 gradually followed by all the others. 



In size, the Sage Grouse is the largest member of the 

 Grouse Family in America next, in fact, to the magnificent 

 blackcock of Europe. When a whole flock suddenly rises 

 out of the sage-brush and takes wing, it is an event to remem- 

 ber. The rush and beat of wings makes a startling noise, 

 and the size of the bird is also highly impressive. This grouse 

 is so large that, as it flies away, you see its body rock violently 



