A PLEA FOR THE INTRODUCTION 

 OF THE RUFFED GROUSE 



(Tetrao Umbeilus). 



To preach about the attractiveness of a mixed bag, 

 is to tell a tale twice over. Last year, in my 

 strongest terms, I advocated the introduction of 

 American partridge into this country ; now I shall 

 again advance the claims of a bird almost equally de- 

 serving of the same honour, the ruffed grouse {Tetrao 

 umbeilus). It must not, however, be confused with 

 the pinnated grouse {Tetrao cupido), for although 

 they have a great similarity in appearance and size, 

 their modes of life and choice of residence are 

 totally different ; the former being found among 

 timber or brush, or in its vicinity, while the latter 

 chooses the open grass-covered prairies, perching 

 upon trees only when the winter is very severe and 

 the ground covered with snow, and then making use 

 of such trees as are always to be found standing 

 alone, and sparsely sprinkled along the margin 

 of the immense western savannahs. Both these 

 species are splendid birds, but the character of the 

 ruffed grouse makes it much better adapted for a 

 residence in the British Islands than the prairie 

 chicken, and so strongly am I disposed in their 

 favour, that I believe if once brought here, it would, 

 as soon as known, outrival the pheasant in popu- 

 larity, being a much hardier bird, swifter on the 

 wing, disinclined to run before flushing, requiring 



