BIRDS OF THE UNITED STATES. 
169 
Plate XXIX. 
BON AS A UMBELLUS, (Linn.) Stephens. 
Ruffed Grouse. 
CoNSiDEKABLE misapprehension exists in relation to the popular appel- 
lation applied to this species. In some parts of the country it is dubbed 
the Partridge, while in others it goes by the name of Pheasant. It is 
neither. All its affinities jioint away from these families, in the direction 
of the True Grouse, of which it constitutes a useful and interesting mem- 
ber. Pheasants are never found in the United States, but are indigenous 
to Southern Asia. Their nearest representative here is the Wild Turkey. 
Almost as much may be said of the Partridge, a group of birds Avhich 
are exclusive denizens of the Old World. To save further confusion, we 
have thought it best to perpetuate in this work the title given above. 
While it can offer no violence to scientific accuracy, it cannot be otherwise 
than acceptable to the common sense of the masses, although it be less 
euphonious than its contemporaries. The wear and tear of constant use 
will soften its asperities and harshness, and render it, in the long run, 
agreeable as it is appropriate. 
This matter settled, we shall proceed at once to the subject. Few 
Grouse are better known, and none more esteemed for its flesh, than the 
one we have chosen for a few remarks. Everywhere throughout the 
timbered regions of Eastern North America it is more or less plentiful, 
ranging from the Atlantic seaboard to the Rocky Mountains, and from 
Georgia to Nova Scotia. As far north as the 56th parallel it is said by 
Richardson to abound in small flocks which show considerable lack of 
suspicion and timidity. In all our Southern States, Louisiana excepted. 
