170 AMERICAN GAME BIRD SHOOTING 



far south as latitude 50 ; yet great numbers remain 

 in the wooded districts of the North as far as latitude 



6 7 . 



Mr. E. W. Nelson, whose studies of the fauna of 

 the Northwest and whose ethnological work among the 

 Eskimos of Alaska are so well known, says that in the 

 northern portions of their respective ranges these 

 grouse are summer residents frequenting the ex- 

 tensive open country and being most abundant along 

 the barren seacoast region of the Bering Sea and 

 Arctic coast, "but in autumn, the last of August and 

 during September, they unite in great flocks and mi- 

 grate south to the sheltered banks of the Kuskoquim 

 and Yukon rivers and their numerous tributaries. In 

 early spring, as the warmth of the returning sun begins 

 to be felt, they troop back to their breeding grounds 

 once more. 



"During a large portion of the year these birds form 

 one of the most characteristic accompaniments of the 

 scenery in the northern portion of Alaska. During the 

 winter season these birds extend their range south to 

 Sitka and Kadiak. . . . 



"Toward the end of March, as some bare spots 

 commence to- show on the tundra, the Eskimos say this 

 will bring the ptarmigan from the shelter of the in- 

 terior valleys, and their observation proves true. At 

 St. Michael these birds commence their love-making 

 according to the character of the season on some 

 years by the first of April their loud notes of challenge 

 are heard, but the recurrence of cold weather usually 



