THE RUFFED GROUSE 



and almost as strong of wing as herself, 

 and you presently hear her softly calling 

 them and assuring them of her continued 

 care. 



Among many things that mark the 

 changing season, is the dispersion of 

 this wildwood family. Each member is 

 now shifting for itself in matters of seek- 

 ing food, safety, pleasure, and comfort. 

 You will come upon one in the ferny 

 undergrowth of the lowland woods where 

 he is consorting with woodcock, frighten 

 another from his feast on the fence- 

 side elderberries, scare one in the thick 

 shadows of the evergreens, another on 

 the sparsely wooded steep of a rocky 

 hillside, and later hear the drum-beat of 

 a young cock that the soft Indian sum- 

 mer has fooled into springtime love-mak- 

 ing, and each has the alertness that com- 

 plete self-dependence has enforced. 



Still, you may come upon them gath- 

 ered in social groups, yet each going his 

 own way when flushed. Upon rare oc- 

 casions you may surprise a grand con- 

 vention of all the grouse of the region 

 congregated on the sunny lee of a hill- 

 side. It is a sight and sound to remem- 

 187 



