SHOOTING THE PRAIRIE GROUSE 405 



and it is by this simple test that we may distinguish 

 young from old. In an old bird the lower mandible 

 always sustains the weight of the body without 

 breaking. 



The old dog is pointing again. A single bird rises 

 this time, and sails off uninjured, though I give him 

 the contents of both barrels. How easy it is to miss 

 them in this cover, in spite of their size. We move on. 



There has been a covey about here, as numerous 

 tracks tend to show. It will take careful work to put 

 them up now, as they have doubtless taken the alarm 

 ere this, and are keeping well ahead of us. There they 

 go again, off to the left. If we flush another bunch 

 in this cover they will probably get up all together, 

 as is their habit after being so disturbed. Try to pick 

 your birds, for though they rise with a thunderous roar 

 of wings, and look very large, you will find, as in 

 quail shooting, that pot shots can seldom be made. 



Here is the edge of the field. I think we will work 

 around to where we entered, and after trying that little 

 patch between here and the house I will wait until to- 

 ward sundown, when they come out, and perhaps I 

 may get a little flight shooting. 



Chickens feed quietly among the corn, rarely be- 

 traying their presence, save to the keen nose of your 

 dog. Once flushed, they lie very close for some time 

 after alighting, and will not scatter until thoroughly 

 satisfied that danger is past. This, however, is only 

 in cover where they have been used to feeding undis- 

 turbed. Later in the season, when constant gunning 



