BIRDS OF THE UNITED STATES. 
171 
the cause of the alarm, in the shaj^e of dog or man, be close at hand, 
and the birds immediately strike for the cover, either on foot, or by means 
of flight. The latter method is only adopted in extreme cases, when the 
other course would be attended by disaster and probable ruin. In the ex- 
ercise of their cursorial powers, they move with remarkable swiftness, as 
with head depressed, and tail expanded, they run for their lives. A pile 
of brushwood, or an impenetrable jungle, when near, is rendered subser- 
vient. There they manage to conceal themselves for a time, and thus re- 
cover breath. If closely pursued, and in danger of being trampled upon 
by the foot of the huntsman, or lacerated by the fangs of his quadrupedal 
friend, they await the opportune moment when, with sudden, whirring- 
wings, they cleave the elastic ether, and vigorously press forw-ard to some 
transitory haven of security, but to fall once more in the way of their 
relentless persecutors. These flights are so well-timed and unexpected that 
many an experienced gunner is thrown off his guard, and when, at last, 
he has recovered from his surprise and collected his thoughts, feels vexed 
at himself for allowing his equanimity to become unsettled by so familiar a 
strategem. He finds it useless to repine, but endeavors to choke down the 
bitter sigh of disappointment that arises, as he presses forward to further 
adventures. 
Like the common domestic Hen, these Grouse are strictly gregarious, 
especially during the autumnal and winter months. The flocks which they 
form vary in numbers, and when disturbed while feeding, scatter in all 
directions, each member seeking only its own individual safety and well- 
being. But after the lapse of a few minutes, they become reassured, and 
begin to gather simultaneously about the same sjDOt, traveling the entire 
distance on foot. The utmost circumspection and vigilance are always 
exercised in these backward movements. Scarcity of food occasionally 
causes these birds, where very numerous in mountainous districts, to 
migrate to other places. These journeys are usually effected about the 
middle of October, they then being in excellent order and in great 
demand for the table. Audubon witnessed, in the fall of 1820, an im- 
