I 



BUFFED GROUS. 47 



ing very similar to that produced by striking two full blown ox- 

 bladders together, but much louder; the strokes at first are slow 

 and distinct; but gradually increase in rapidity till they run into 

 each other, resembling the rumbling sound of very distant thun- 

 der, dying away gradually on the ear. After a few minutes pause 

 this is again repeated; and in a calm day may be heard nearly 

 half a mile off. This drumming is most common in spring, and 

 is the call of the cock to his favorite female. It is produced in 

 the following manner. The bird standing on an old prostrate log, 

 generally in a retired and sheltered situation, lowers his wings, 

 erects his expanded tail, contracts his throat, elevates the two tufts 

 of feathers on the neck, and inflates his whole body something in 

 the manner of the turkey cock, strutting and wheeling about with 

 great stateliness. After a few manoeuvres of this kind, he begins 

 to strike with his stiffened wings in short and quick strokes, which 

 become more and more rapid until they run into each other as has 

 been already described. This is most common in the morning 

 and evening, tho I have heard them drumming at all hours of the 

 day. By means of this the gunner is led to the place of his re- 

 treat; tho to those unacquainted with the sound there is great de- 

 ception in the supposed distance, it generally appearing to be much 

 nearer than it really is. 



The Pheasant begins to pair in April, and builds its nest 

 early in May. This is placed on the ground at the root of a bush, 

 old log or other sheltered and solitary situation, well surrounded 

 with withered leaves. Unlike that of the Quail it is open above, 

 and is usually composed of dry leaves and grass. The eggs are 

 from nine to fifteen in number, of a brownish white, without any 

 spots, and nearly as large as those of a pullet. The young leave 

 the nest as soon as hatched, and are directed by the cluck of the 

 mother, very much in the manner of the common hen. On being 

 surprised she exhibits all the distress and affectionate manoeuvres 

 of the Quail, and of most other birds, to lead you away from the 



