232 Life and Immortality. 
near, is rendered subservient. There they manage to conceal 
themselves for a time and thus recover breath. Closely pur- 
sued, 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 forward to some transitory haven of security, but only 
to fall once more in the way of their relentless persecutors. 
These flights are so well timed and so 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 stratagem. 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 barnyard fowl, these Grouse are strictly 
gregarious, especially during the autumnal and winter 
months. The flocks they form vary in numbers, and when 
disturbed, while feeding, scatter in all directions, each mem- 
ber seeking only its own individual safety and well-being. 
But after the lapse of a few minutes, becoming reassured, 
they gather simultaneously about the same spot, travelling 
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 undertaken 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 immense number zz transitu from Ohio, 
Indiana and Ilinois to Kentucky, many of whom became a 
prey to man. This disposition to lead a roving, migratory 
life is, as a general thing, not hereditary, and consequently 
is seldom undertaken, plenty of food usually being found in 
localities which these birds affect. 
