
388 SPOTTED GROUSE. 
for different birds. This error, which originated with Edwards 
and Brisson, from whom it was copied by Linné, was recti- 
alone, however strikingly different it is in the two birds, we should be 
disposed to class them as varieties. But a more accurate examination 
will detect some essential difference in the structure of the feathers 
themselves. Those of Canadensis are more graduated, giving the tail a 
rounder appearance ; and they are all slightly, but distinctly emarginate 
in the middle, from whence arises a little mucro, or point, formed by 
the end of the shafts. Now, this emargination is not seen in franklinii, 
nor is there any appearance of the mucro. Again, in the latter bird, 
the*tail-feathers are much broader, fully measuring one inch and a fifth 
across ; whereas those of Canadensis are barely one inch broad. Until, 
therefore, we become persuaded that distinctions drawn from structure 
are not to be relied upon, we must coincide with Mr Douglas in con- 
sidering the present as a distinct species.”—W. 8. 
“T have never heard,” says Douglas, “the voice of this bird, except 
its alarm note, which is two or three hollow sounds, ending in a yearn- 
ing, disagreeable, grating noise, like the latter part of the call of the 
well-known Vumida meleagris. It is one of the most common birds in 
the valleys of the Rocky Mountains, from latitude 50 to 54 degs., near 
the sources of the Columbia River, It may perhaps be found to inhabit 
higher latitudes. Sparingly seen in some small troops on the high 
mountains which form the base or platform of the snowy peaks ‘ Mount 
Hood,’ ‘ Mount St Helen’s,’ and ‘ Mount Baken,’ situated on the western 
parts of the continent.” 
Those grouse known under the name of ptarmigan, or the form more 
familiar as represented by the common red grouse of Britain, typical of 
the genus Lagopus, should be also enumerated here. 
The species mentioned by Mr Douglas, and further described in the 
“ Northern Zoology,” are all that have yet been authentically described 
as natives of North America. Mr Douglas hints at his knowledge of 
other two, but this was too imperfect to offer any detailed description. 
The species are : 
Lagopus, Ray. 
1. Z. mutus, Leach.—Common ptarmigan.—According to Sabine, inhabits 
the island on the south-west side of Bafiin’s Bay. Dr Richardson never 
met with it himself in the Fur Countries, and thinks that the only authen- 
tic specimens from the New World are in the possession of Lord Stanley, 
to whom they were presented by Mr Sabine. 
. L. saliceti, Swain.—Willow grouse.—Inhabits the Fur Countries from 
the 50th to the 70th degs. of latitude, within which limits it is partially 
migratory ; breeds in the valleys of the Rocky Mountains, the barren 
grounds, and arctic coasts. It seems identical with the willow grouse 
bo 

