PINNATED GROUSE 225 
one, were observed to have the orange-colored air- 
sacs. These were probably cocks. We saw only one 
bird which we suspected might be a hen. The other 
hens were probably nesting, or at least had secured 
mates, and no longer resorted to the promenading 
place. As the sun rose high the tooting became less 
frequent; the birds became more restless, often flying 
to the neighboring low oaks, resting there until 
disturbed.” 
William Hazen Gates, of Williamstown, Mass., 
worked that spring with the Massachusetts commis- 
sioners, studying the habits of the heath hen, in order 
to secure information which might be of use in arti- 
ficially propagating the species. He says: 
“On May 31, while wandering across the plains, 
three heath hens were started, and each taking wing 
flew nearly out of sight before alighting. As I watched 
the birds, a call, resembling to a slight degree that of 
an ordinary barnyard cock calling to the hens, was 
heard not far distant. The place was noted as nearly 
as possible, and then cautiously I made my way there. 
When the place was reached I looked for birds, but 
could see none. I then sat down and determined to 
wait, in order to see if any birds could be heard. The 
ground was covered with leaves, so the least stir would 
have been heard. I listened and also looked for signs 
of anything moving, but none appeared. I sat there 
for fully twenty minutes and, hearing nothing, con- 
cluded that either there were no birds or else they had 
gone as I approached. As I rose a bird flew up within 
