172 
NESTS AND EGGS OF 
mense number in transitu from Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, to Kentucky. 
Many of these became the prey of man, while their comj^anions who had 
escaped destruction sought, with the return of Spring, their own cherished 
haunts. This disposition to lead a roving, migratory life, as a general 
thing, is not hereditary, and is seldom undertaken. Plenty of food is usu- 
ally to be found in localities which these birds frequent, and the necessity 
does not exist. Where there is a paucity of appropriate food-stuflfs, such 
as acorns, the seeds of the beech and of the various species of birch, they 
do not hesitate to devour the buds of the Mountain Laurel, which imparts 
a poisonous character to their tlesh. When severely pressed by hunger, 
they feed upon dry bark, the insects that harbor in the creviced trunks 
and branches of trees, and even stray to the roads that Avander through 
their gloomy retreats, and pick at the hard, frozen horse-droppings Avhich 
they chance to encounter. But Avhen SjDi’ing returns, and renews her bond 
of faith with mother Earth, they more than make up for their scanty 
Avinter fare, and feast with fastidious appetites upon the noAV tender and 
juicy buds of the black birch, which gives a peculiar and toothsome flavor 
to their flesh, that has acquired for them, in some localities, the name of 
Birch Partridge. For a brief spell every other interest is now absorbed 
iiA that of unrestrained feasting to which the sexes submit themselves with 
all the abandon of civilized humanity. The middle of March, or the close 
of the mouth devoted by the ancient Eomans to purifications and fastings 
that precedes, when the Aveather is favorable, marks a change in their life. 
This era is announced by a loud druming noise Avhich is everyAvhei’e to 
be heard. Standing upon a tall rock, or a fallen log, in some secluded 
Avoods or other locality, the author of this noise may be found. His alti- 
tude and demeanor must be observed to be appreciated. Once seen, he 
can never be forgotten. Arrayed in his neAV spring-suit, he is a being not 
to be despised. But this is not all. His beautifully-contracted neck, broad, 
expanded, fan-like tail, and elevated feather-tufts that ornament both sides 
of his neck, as he struts about Avith all the grace 'and dignity of some 
pompons lord or duke, render him of no mean importance, and add greatly 
to his attractiveness. 
