THE RUFFED GROUSE. 209 
yards apart, and each, apparently, on different birds. This 
pleasing incident revived our drooping spirits, and with 
steady, regular stride we approached them. When we got - 
up three birds flushed, which were immediately cut down; 
still another, and another, met the same fate; and in less 
than five minutes nine were on the ground. These were 
without difficulty retrieved, and the dogs ordered on to find 
more; scarce a hundred yards had they ranged when they 
a second time found game, the slut leading and the dog, 
just at her shoulder, backing. It was perfectly evident 
that we had discovered the retreat of the prairic-chickens. 
Water or solitude had undoubtedly caused them to assem- 
ble here. 
Soon we got to the dogs, and never in the course of my 
experience did I see a sharper half-hour’s work. Bird after 
bird rose, and was knocked over; scarcely had we time to 
thrust into the breeches fresh cartridges before we were 
called upon to deliver our fire; not less than a hundred and 
fifty birds must have been flushed in that space of time, out 
of which number nearly half fell to our guns. At one mo- 
ment, over twenty were on the ground, waiting to be pick- 
ed up; and, better than all, we did not lose a single cripple, 
although one old cock, which had only been pinioned, cost 
us some minutes’ labor before being bagged. 
RUFFED GROUSE. 
Contrary to the last described species, this worthy mem- 
ber of a noble family loves the woodland glades and rocky 
hill-sides. The verge of the prairie he may occasionally 
visit, but let him be disturbed, his fears excited, like arrow 
from bow he will wing his way direct to the friendly shel- 
ter of the forest. 
But all woods do not suit the fastidious taste of this 
beauty; for when there exists only the fat, damp, slimy 
