BIEDS OF NORTHEEN CANADA 341 



Farlane with the parent by another Indian, who found it 

 near Fort St. James on 9th June of the same year. The 

 nest was merely a slight depression in the ground, and was 

 lined with a few decayed leaves. Two of the eggs contained 

 weU-formed embryos and the third was addled. Through 

 the kindness of Mr. William E. Traill, Chief Trader, his 

 successor in the charge of ISTew Caledonia District, parts of 

 three sets of these eggs, fifteen in number, were collected 

 during the season of 1890, taken on May 20th, 27th, and 

 30th, respectively. The eggs were fresh when found. They 

 resemble those of the Canada grouse in shape, colour, and 

 markings, but are a trifle smaller. Franklin's grouse is a 

 constant resident wherever found, and abundant enough in 

 certain localities." I have no recollection of having ever 

 seen this grouse in the districts of Mackenzie Eiver, Atha- 

 basca, and Cumberland. There are but two skins, and no 

 eggs of this grouse, in the Ottawa Museum ! 



300a. Canadian Ruffed Geouse — Bonasa unibellas togata 



(Linn.). 



A supposed example was shot at Fort Resolution on the 

 1st of April, 1885, and it was later forwarded to Dr. BeU. 

 On page 67 of the aforesaid Bendire's " Life Histories " he 

 writes : " A nest of this grouse was found by Mr. R. Mac- 

 Farlane near Fort St. James, B.C., on the 16th of May, 

 1889. It contained eight nearly fresh eggs and was placed 

 close to the foot of a pine tree, in a slight depression scratched 

 out by the bird. It was sparingly lined with grass, dry 

 leaves, and a few feathers, and situated near a small lake. 

 Judging from the number of skins of this grouse sent on at 

 the same time, it must be quite common there. But one 

 brood of grouse is raised in a season. Incubation lasts 

 from twenty-four to twenty-eight days, and does not really 

 begin until the clutch is completed, an egg probably being 

 deposited daily. The number of eggs to a set varies from 

 eight to fourteen, rarely more. In form and size the eggs 



