-8— 



Iptarmigans^ 



M^ /iRorris ©ibbs. 



There are accounted four species and four 

 varieties of Ptarmig-ans in America. Per- 

 haps the varieties are unstable; it is quite 

 likely, as scientists are apt to multiply the 

 creatures of this and other lands, and, for the 

 sake of the study and g'lory, bring- a sligfht 

 differentiation to the notice of the public. 

 Commonly considered, there are three well- 

 known species, — namely, the Willow, Rock 

 and White-tailed Ptarmigans. These are 

 mainl}' found north of the northern boundaries 

 of the Union, and it is rare to hear of speci- 

 mens being- taken in the states east of the 

 Big- River; but in the rang-e of the Rockies and 

 Cascades these birds are taken as far south 

 as the 32nd parallel; and are exceeding-ly com- 

 mon as low as the 36th parallel, where they 



