INTRODUCTION. 



XVil 



Ifrom the effects peculiar to its insular habitat, retains 

 plumage of the same colors throughout the year. This 

 Ipruvision of nature for the other species, may be 

 (to give an additional security to the birds when the 

 [whole country of their northern homes is covered by 

 (snow, and so assimilate them to the surrounding white- 

 lass, that their presence can only be perceived with 

 jreat difficulty or by merest chance. 



Many Grouse possess a peculiar structure, rarely found 

 in any other species, in the air sac on the side of the 

 luck which is capable of being inflated, and then resem- 

 bles somewhat an orange attached to the neck. By ex- 

 |liausting the air, which can f)e accomplished at the will 

 nf the bird, a booming sound is produced that may be 

 luard at a great distance. Tliis performance usually 

 lakes place at the breeding season, and is one of the 

 nale's allurements to secure the attention and probable 

 ieeting attachment of the females. At all other seasons 

 this sac shrivels up and is mostly concealed under the 

 feathers. 

 One species of another group — Shore Birds — possesses 

 similar sac, but differently disposed and of great extent, 

 which is also exhibited to advantage during the breed- 

 itig season. This is the Pectoral Sandpiper, a descrip- 

 |tion of whose performance on the tundras of the far 

 lorth I have given in my work on the Limicolcr. 



North America has been most favored among the 

 rountries of the earth in the great variety and number 

 )f her gallinaceous birds, many of the species being 

 ?qual to any found in other lands and some surpassing 

 ill others known, in size, magnificent appearance, and in 

 [heir value, commercially and otherwise, to the human 

 race. They are a precious heritage, to be guarded care- 

 fully and used judiciously if we are wise and far-seeing, 



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