Concord, Mass.
1911.
April 17
(No 3)
[April 17, 1911]

Ruffed Grouse fighting.

thought better of his adversaries' [adversary's] guard and continued his
tactics weaving back and forth. These apparent advances
to spring, however, seemed to cause the upright bird to
assume a position nearer the vertical, until as I watched
through the bird glasses he turned his head sufficiently to
see if all was clear in the rear, and after a few moments
more turned and walked away perhaps 8 or 10 feet when
he was again brought to bay by his aggressor who quickly
ran up to him menacing as before. On turning a second 
time he was permitted to go away, disappearing behind a
stone wall up to which the victor made another rapid
charge. Having here made sure that victory was secure he
himself with tail & head erect strutted proudly & confidently
back, evidently very well pleased with himself until he too
disappeared behind an opposite wall, ready no doubt to
drive another interloper from his presence."
(From letter of William Stone to W.B. dated April 20, 1911)