THE PINNATED GROUSE. BLACK GROUSE. 



275 



These birds lay their eggs, from twelve to sixteen in number, in 

 nests which they make either by the side of fallen trees, or the roots 

 of standing ones. Mr. Brooke, when a boy, says that he lias found 

 their nests, and hns endeavored to take the old birds, but never could 

 succeed. The sitting bird would let him put his hand almost upon 

 her before she would quit her nest; then by artifice would draw him 

 off from her eggs, by fluttering just before him for a hundred paces 

 or more, so that he has been in constant hopes of taking her. AVheu 

 the nestlings are hatched, and a few davs old, they hide them.- elves so 

 artfully among the leaves, that it is difficult to find them. 



THE PRAIRIE HEN. 



THE PINNATED GROUSE, OK PRAIRIE HEN. 



This species, celebrated for the exquisite flavor of its flesh, is strictly 

 confined to the western prairies of our country, open dry plains inter- 

 spersed with shrub-oak being its favorite haunts. The male is remark- 

 able for a naked sacculated appendage on each side of the neck, resem- 

 bling a large orange. In severe weather the Prairie Hens sometimes 

 mix with the domestic poultry in pursuit of food. 



