THE OREGON SPORTSMAN 139 



way to the fields of alfalfa and grain, one might expect that the 

 Prairie Chicken would thrive. But where it builds in a cultivated 

 field, the nest is so often destroyed by irrigation. 



The only way this grouse can be saved from extinction in 

 many of the regions where it lives is by the setting aside of 

 certain areas not fit for agricultural purposes as wild bird ref- 

 uges where hunting is forbidden and the birds are well protected. 

 Otherwise, the history of this western grouse will be the same 

 as that of its cousin, the Pinnated Grouse or Heath Hen. The 

 Heath Hen was so abundant that in the early history of Massa- 

 chusetts, the articles of apprentices sometimes specified that they 

 Avere not to be compelled to eat the meat of this grouse oftener 

 than twice a week. This bird was not only abundant in Massa- 

 chusetts, but in Connecticut, Long Island and New Jersey. From 

 uncountable numbers, it grew less and less as the country was 

 settled, until in 1907 the individuals of this species were fewer 

 than a hundred. The only place where this bird is now found in 

 the wild state is on the island of Martha's Vineyard. They have 

 been given protection here by the legislature of Massachusetts 

 setting aside this place as a special game refuge. 



The Sharp-tailed Grouse may readily be distinguished from 

 the Sage Grouse because of its smaller size. The former has the 

 white belh T and white wing linings. The chest of the Sage Grouse 

 is white, but the belly or lower part of the body is black. The 

 upper parts of the Sharp-tailed Grouse are grayish-brown varie- 

 gated with black and reddish. The reddish is noticeable on the 

 back. The wing coverts have a row of conspicuous white spots, 

 one on the end of each feather. In winter the plumage of this 

 grouse is dense and the feet and legs are rabbit-like and feathered 

 to the toes, making good snow-shoes. In the coldest weather 

 they roost under the snow like the Ruffed Grouse. 



The nest of the Prairie Chicken is a slight hollow in the 

 ground, generally lined with a few grasses and feathers. The 

 number of eggs are generally from eleven to fourteen, pale buff 

 m color lightly spotted with reddish-brown. The period of incu- 

 bation is about twenty-one days. 



The courting antics of the Sharp-tailed Grouse or Prairie 

 Chicken are described by Mr. Ernest E. Thompson as follows: 



