RUFFED GROUSE. 217 



liberty of promiscuous concubinage, although not to such an extent as 

 those of the Pinnated Grouse. They have frequent and severe battles 

 at this season, which, although witnessed by the females, are never inter- 

 rupted by them. The drumming sounds of these birds lead to their de- 

 struction, every young sportsman taking the unfair advantage of approach- 

 ing them at this season, and shooting them in the act. 



About the beginning of May, the female retires to some thicket in a 

 close part of the woods, where she forms a nest. This is placed by the 

 side of a prostrate tree, or at the foot of a low bush, on the ground, in a 

 spot where a heap of dried leaves has been formed by the wind. The nest 

 is composed of dried leaves and herbaceous plants. The female lays from 

 five to twelve eggs, which are of a uniform dull yellowish colour, and are 

 proportionate in size to the bird. The latter never covers them on leav- 

 ing the nest, and in consequence, the Raven and the Crow, always on the 

 look out for such dainties, frequently discover and eat them. When the 

 female is present, however, she generally defends them with great obstinacy, 

 striking the intruder with her wings and feet, in the manner of the Com- 

 mon Hen. 



The young run about and follow the mother, the moment after they 

 leave the egg. They are able to fly for a few yards at a time, when only 

 six or seven days old, and still very small. The mother leads them in 

 search of food, covers them at~«ight with her wings, and evinces the 

 greatest care and affection towards them on the least appearance of danger, 

 trying by every art in her power to draw the attention of her enemies to 

 herself, feigning lameness, tumbling and rolhng about as if severely 

 wounded, and by this means generally succeeding in saving them. The 

 little ones squat at the least chuck of alarm from the mother, and lie so 

 close as to suffer one to catch them in the hand, should he chance to dis- 

 cover them, which, however, it is very difficult to do. The males are then 

 beginning to associate in small parties, and continue separated from the 

 females until the approach of winter, when males, females, and young, 

 mingle together. During smnmer, these birds are fond of dusting them- 

 selves, and resort to the roads for that purpose, as well as to pick up gra- 

 vel. I have observed this species copulating towards autumn, but have 

 not been able to account for this unseasonable procedure, as only one 

 brood is raised in the season. 



These birds have various enemies besides man. Different species of 

 Hawks destroy them, particularly the Red-tailed Hawk and the Stanley 



