ACROSS THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS, ETC. 77 



shy, and bites quickly and eagerly at a grasshopper or min- 

 now. 



Buffalo, antelopes, and elk are abundant in the vicinity, and 

 we are therefore living well. We have seen also another kind 

 of game, a beautiful bird, the size of a half grown turkey, called 

 the cock of the plains, ( Tetrao uropkasianus.) We first met with 

 this noble bird on the plains, about two days' journey east of 

 Green river, in flocks, or packs, of fifteen or twenty, and so ex- 

 ceedingly tame as to allow an approach to within a few feet, run- 

 ning before our horses like domestic fowls, and not unfrequently 

 hopping under their bellies, while the men amused themselves 

 by striking out their feathers with their riding whips. When 

 we first saw them, the temptation to shoot was irresistible ; the 

 guns were cracking all around us, and the poor grouse falling 

 in every direction ; but what was our disappointment, when, upon 

 roasting them nicely before the fire, we found them so strong and 

 bitter as not to be eatable. From this time the cock of the 

 plains was allowed to I'oam free and unmolested, and as he has 

 failed to please our palates, we are content to admire the 

 beauty of his plumage, and the grace and spirit of his atti- 

 tudes. 



July 2d. — We bade adieu to the rendezvous this morning; 

 packed up our moveables, and journied along the bank of the 

 river. Our horses are very much recruited by the long rest 

 and good pasture which they have enjoyed, and, like their mas- 

 ters, are in excellent spirits. 



During our stay at the rendezvous, many of us looked anx- 

 iously for letters from our families, which we expected by the 

 later caravans, but we were all disappointed. For myself, T have 

 received but one since I left my home, but this has been my so- 

 lace through many along and dreary journey. Many a time, while 

 pacing my solitary round as night-guard in the wilderness, have I 



