316 
TETRAD UMBELLUS. 
leave their sequestered haunts in the woods early in 
the morning', and seek the path or road, to pick up 
gravel, and glean among the dropi)iiigs of the horses. 
In travelling among the mountains that bound the 
Susquehanna, I was always able to furnish myseU 
with an abundant supply of these birds every morning 
without leaving the path. If the weather be foggy, of 
lowering, they are sure to be seen in such situations. 
They generally move along with great stateliness. The 
drumming, as it is usually called, of the pheasant, is 
another singularity of this species. This is performed 
by the male alone. In walking through solitary woods, 
frequented by these birds, a stranger is sur])rised by 
suddenly hearing a kind of thumping very similar to 
that produced by striking two full-blown ox-bladders 
together, but much louder ; the strokes at first are slo"' 
and distinct; but gradually increase in rapidity, till they 
run into each other, resembling the rumbling sound of 
very distant thunder, dying away gradually on the ear. 
After a few minutes’ pause, this is again repeated, and, 
in a calm d.ay, may be heiird nearly half a mile off. 
This drumming is most common in spring, and is the 
call of the cock to his favourite female. It is produced 
in the following manner : The bird, standing on ao 
old prostrate log, generally in a retired and sheltered 
situation, lowers his wings, erects his expanded taih 
contracts his throat, elev.ates the two tufts of feathers 
on the neck, and infi.ites his whole body, something )•* 
tlie manner of the turkey cock, strutting and wheeling! 
about with great stateliness. After a few m.anoBUvre3 
of this kind, he begins to strike with his stiffened wing* 
in short and quick strokes, which become more and 
more rajjid until they run into each other, as has been 
already described. This is most common in the jnen" 
ning and evening, though 1 have heard them drumming 
at ail hours of the day. By means of this, tlie giinnet 
is led to the place of his retreat ; though, to thos® 
unacquainted with the sound, there is great deceptin'* 
in the supposed distance, it generally appearing to I'® 
much nearer than it really is. 
