'■'•■"...» ii 



CHAPTER YIII. 



THE EUFFED GROUSE, OR PHEASANT. TETRAO UMBELLUS. 



"Two -wliirring Pheasants swept across our path, 

 And swift as lightning flew the fiery death — " 



THEIR LOCALITY. 



The Ruffed Grouse is found in almost every section of our 

 country, from the northernmost latitudes, even as far south as 

 Georgia. They are at times abundant in the pines of Jersey, 

 as well as the mountainous ranges of the Mississippi and Co- 

 lumbia Rivers. 



Numbers of Grouse were formerly found in the higher ele- 

 vations of the barrens of Kentucky and Tennessee ; and some 

 remain there even at the present time, although far less abund- 

 ant than they were a few years since. This particular section 

 of country afforded fine protection and plenty of agreeable food 

 for these Birds, and the regular temperature of the climate was 

 at all times such as was most congenial to their habits. 



