THE PINNATED GROUSE. 6% 
When the packs are flushed on the prairie, they should 
be marked down by some landmark, shrub, or clump of 
weeds, if any are visible, for if the eyes are once lifted 
from the spot in which they alight, it is difficult to find 
it again, as the sea of grass looks so much alike that it is 
liable to deceive the most experienced prairie traveller. 
When they lie well to the dogs, it is better to allow them 
some grace, when they are flushed, as a man is liable to 
tear them badly with the shot if he fires at too close a 
range. Dogs that are not acquainted with their habits 
frequently flush them unintentionally, and when they do 
this the alarmed packs cluck loudly, arouse all their con- 
geners within hearing, and cause them to take wing, so 
that a person may not be able to get half a dozen shots 
during the morning. This readiness to flush is most 
marked during the late autumn and winter, when they 
are very wild, for the tone of the voice will rout them 
then, even at a distance of a hundred yards or more. To 
avoid making any noise, it is therefore necessary that the 
dogs should be trained to hunt by the motion of the 
hand, and to answer the whistle. Pointers are considered 
better than setters for work on the prairie, especially in 
warm weather, as their color is more conspicuous, and 
they can go longer without water. A variety of the 
pinnated grouse which bears the varietal name of 
callidicinctus, is found in Texas. This differs from 
the typical species only in being barred above with 
pale ochraceous and dusky or blackish-brown, being 
whitish beneath, having narrow bars of pale grayish 
brown, and being somewhat smaller. Both have the 
same habits, and are shot in the same manner. In order 
to thoroughly enjoy the pursuit of prairie chickens, 
experienced sportsmen use an open carriage or a wagon, 
as this is necessary to transport the dogs, guns, and a keg 
of water to the shooting grounds, if they are any way 
distant; it also saves much needless walking, for while 
