SHOOTING TPIE PRAIRIE GROUSE 421 



was passed by nearly the whole party, within thirty 

 feet, in open ground. I noticed him as soon, per- 

 haps, as he saw us, and waited to watch his movements. 

 As the train approached he sank down on the ground, 

 depressing his head, and lying as motionless as a stick 

 or root, which he greatly resembled. After the party 

 had passed I moved toward him, when he depressed 

 his head till it rested on the ground, and evidently 

 made himself as small as possible. He did not move 

 till I had approached within fifteen feet of him, when 

 he arose, and I shot him. He was in fine plumage, and 

 weighed over five pounds." 



