198 THE RUFFED GROUSE. 



with their dark backs. At this time they may be killed by 

 cart-loads, as only those in the immediate neighbourhood of 

 the slain are apparently disturbed. They rise to the height 

 of a few feet, with a stupified and aimless fluttering, and 

 plunge into the snow within a short distance, where they are 

 easily taken by the hand. They will, if disturbed when 

 they first arrive at a resting-place, change it ; but after the 

 heavy snows have fallen, they are not easily driven away by 

 any degree of persecution. By melting the snow with the 

 heat of their bodies, and by trampling it down, they then 

 form a kind of sheltering-yard, the outside walls of which 

 defend them against the winds." 



They have, besides human foes, numberless enemies among 

 the foxes, wolves, hawks, and other birds. The fecundity of 

 the survivors, however, keeps pace with the many fatalities to 

 which they are liable. 



THE RUFFED GROUSE, OR AMERICAN PHEASANT. 



" This elegant species," writes Wilson, " is known through- 

 out North America. Its favourite places of resort are high 

 mountains, covered with the balsam -pine and hemlock." It 

 prefers the woods — being seldom or never found in open plains. 

 They are solitary birds ; generally being seen in coveys of 

 four or five, and often singly, or in pairs. 



The stranger wandering through the forest is surprised to 

 hear a peculiar sound, very similar to that produced by strik- 

 ing two full-blown ox-bladders together, but much louder. 

 It is caused by the ruffed grouse, who, amusing himself by 

 drumming, is little aware that it will bring the cruel sportsman 

 towards him. The bird produces it when standing on an old 

 prostrate log. He lowers his wings, erects his expanded tail, 



