THE SAGE-COCK . 87 



The horses used in the West are generally trained to 

 stand without hitching when the reins are thrown over 

 their heads, and I soon taught my horse to follow me 

 about when I walked up to the scattered birds. Upon 

 one occasion he became alarmed at a party of Indians 

 which rode near, and went off at a gallop, not stopping 

 until he reached the camp, some miles away. The 

 Indians were friendly Shoshones, and seemed amused 

 at my losing my horse. I had a long tramp back to 

 the camp, and found a few of the big grouse a burden. 



The most desirable places to shoot sage-grouse are 

 in the vicinity of the mountains. The stream neces- 

 sary for a camp will be found full of trout, and an ex- 

 pedition may be made into the forest for the blue- 

 grouse, or for deer. The sage-brush makes a good 

 fire. I have more recently shot sage-grouse in many 

 places, usually only a few now and then to add variety 

 to the camp table. Their habits are everywhere the 

 same. They are too easy as marks to be very desir- 

 able game. In addition to the jack-rabbits, I have 

 seen many of the smaller hares in the haunts of the 

 sage-cock ; a band of antelope was not unusual some 

 years ago, but these graceful animals are seldom seen 

 to-day. 



