160 RED RIVER EXPLORING EXPEDITION. 



munication through the country, and it marks the limit of 

 the good land on the east of Red Eiver. This ridge is a 

 favourite resort of the prairie hen (Tetrao cupido), when 

 they perform their curious circular dances in the early 

 spring months. We frequently met with a ring of sticks, 

 placed in a circle about ten feet in diameter, to each of 

 which a noose of sinew was attached. Our half-breeds 

 informed us that they were snares which the Indians set 

 to catch the prairie hens In the spring the males con- 

 gregate on dry gravelly ridges, frequenting the same spot 

 year after year, and march round and round, with feathers 

 erect and wings rubbing the ground as a prehminary to a 

 general combat. The Indians observe the spot where the 

 birds congregate, and after night-fall set their snares on 

 the edge of the ring, which the male birds have selected 

 to try their strength, and to attest their claims to the 

 favour of the females who are perched on the neighbour- 

 ing bushes. In the battle which ensues, or during their 

 solemn march, some of them are caught and strangled. 

 The following spirited description from Audubon's 

 delightful "Birds of America" will, doubtless, be read 

 with interest : — " Their love season commences, and a 

 spot is pitched upon to which they daily resort until in- 

 cubation is established. Inspired by love, the male birds, 

 before the first glimpse of day lightens the horizon, fly 

 swiftly and singly from their grassy beds, to meet, to 

 challenge, and to fight the various rivals led by the same 

 impulse to the arena. The male is at this season attired 

 in his full dress, and enacts his part in a manner not sur- 

 passed in pomposity by any other bird. Imagine them 

 assembled to the number of twenty by daybreak ; see 

 them all strutting in the presence of each other ; mark 

 their consequential gestures, their looks of disdain, and 

 their angry pride as they pass each other. Their tails 



