PRAIRIE CHICKENS PIXXATED GROUSE. 283 



in doubtful blaze, and seems to die out in its beginning. 

 Fresh dry hay is tenderly placed on the feeble flames, and 

 soon, along the defined line, as marked with the plow, 

 the crackling blaze speeds forward, the faint blue smoke 

 ascends in drifting clouds toward the dome of heaven; 

 increasing its volume and speed, the hesitating flames 

 wave along, getting higher and stronger as the rank dry 

 grass is thrust into its yawning maw, and, like a red 

 demon, it engulfs all in its path. Feeble at first, it 

 now advances with the confident rush of successful hosts, 

 its hot breath withering and scorching to death all within 

 its reach; the trembling flames have overcome their hesi- 

 tancy, and wave and roll in huge billows of seething fire, 

 while flickering yellow tongues flash and strive to reach 

 the very sky. Now the whole earth is a living fire, while 

 the pure air is contaminated with the blackening smoke, 

 and beneath its reddened edges, whirled up by the strong 

 draught of the advancing fire, blades of corn-stalks spin 

 in eddying flights, ,and fall again in spiral quiverings into 

 the seething bed. Up from their prairie homes the birds 

 rise in dire alarm, and with shrieks and cries circle in air, 

 and with pinioned wings and accelerated flight seek a 

 place of safety. The prairie chicken in her hidden nest 

 scents the tainted air; then, peering through the bladed 

 grass, she sees the leaden smoke ascending to the blue 

 sky; soon the crackling flames and the hot air frighten 

 her, and seem to rob her of her breath. Closer she hugs 

 the parching ground; in dire alarm she looks around, and 

 then, with frightened cluck, springs from her bed, and, 

 with bristling feathers, runs threateningly toward the 

 advancing flame, which smokes and roars, mocking at 

 her feebleness. Disheartened, she runs again to her 

 sacred nest, and nestling closer with her protecting 

 wings, shielding her all, closes her eyes to perish with 

 her charge; but the stifling smoke suffocates her, and with- 



