298 MANUAL FOR YOUNG SPORTSMEN. 
August the young broods are fully feathered, above three 
parts grown, and in all respects as fit for the gun as young 
quail two months later. At this time they are found in 
coveys, under care of the old birds, and where they lie in 
open hanging woods on hill-sides, with an undergrowth of 
cranberries, fern and winter-green, a kind of ground to 
which they are much attached, they might afford fine sport. 
The law, however, in the Northern States, prohibits the 
killing of them until the first of November, when they have 
dispersed themselves, and are only to be found singly, and 
as wild as hawks. 
It is needless to comment on the childish incongruity 
of game-laws which allow woodcock, a weak bird, which 
requires the utmost protection, to be shot half-fledged in 
July, and will not permit the ruffed grouse, a strong wild 
bird, admirably able to protect itself, to be killed, until it 
is almost impossible to kill it at all. 
To hunt it with any chance of success, exceedingly 
stanch dogs are requisite, which will point dead the in- 
stant they strike the scent; for if they attempt to road 
up to the game, it is certain to run, and rise out of dis- 
tance. 
In general autumn shooting, No. 8 shot, which is that 
most recommended for all game, will bring it down from a 
close-carrying, hard-hitting gun at 40 yards ; but where no 
other game is expected, I should advise No. 6, or Eley’s 
blue cartridges. 
Few birds get on the wing more rapidly, or fly more 
awiftly than the ruffed grouse; and when they have got 
full headway, and, having been put up at a distance, come 
