THE ATTRACTIOX OF MIXED BAGS. 



217 



is dry and powdery the orifice the bird makes closes 

 instantly up. When the snow has been sufficiently 

 penetrated, the bird rapidly pro^jresses in whatever 

 direction it desires to go through the aid it receives 

 from its powerful legs. 



In summer the Canadian or spruce grouse haunts 

 are invariably the hillsides that are covered with 

 timber. So far I have never yet found it in the open, 

 but when winter sets in the cedar and the heinloc - 

 swamps become its residence. When found in the 

 first-mentioned haunts it is far from a tame bird, but 

 in the latter it is so regardless of the presence of 

 strangers that I have known them sit on the bough 

 of a tree till a horsehair snare has been passed over 

 their heads. 



Although these birds are smaller than the Scotch 

 grouse they might easily be taken for the same species, 

 particularly immediately after they are killed, but if 

 time is allowed for the body lo stiffen, the brilliant 

 red of the iris fades into a dirty chocolate brown. 

 The eggs also have great similarity both in size and 

 colour to those of our home-bred beauties. 



In Canada and the Northern States they are not 

 much esteemed upon the table, but why, may well 

 be asked ; simply for the reason that their flavour 

 out-Herods Herod, or is stronger in that delicious 

 game taste that connoisseurs of good living so highly 

 appreciate in Scotch birds. 



I have no doubt but that this species would do well 

 if introduced into ♦^^hose portions of North Britain 

 where woods are nuwierous ; in fact, the habitat that 

 suits the capercailzie, in my belief, would exactly suit 

 this indigenous American bird. 



As I am a great advocate for mixed bags, and 

 consider the pleasure of shooting much enhanced by 

 obtaining such, I would strongly advocate those who 

 have suitable lands for their haunt, to introduce into 

 this country the Canadian or spruce grouse. 



I! 



