328 
TETHAO CUPIDO. 
j^reater number can be seen in a ran^e, they ponr on 
them a destructive charge of shot. This annoyance has 
teen given in so many places, and to such extent, that 
the grouse, after having teen repeatedly disturbed, are 
afraid to assemble. On approaching the spot to which 
their instinct prompts them, they perch on the nein-h- 
boiiring trees, instead of alighting at the scratching- 
place. And it remains to be observed, how far the 
restless and tormenting spirit of the mark.smen may 
alter the native habits ot the grouse, and oblige them 
to betake themselves to new ways of life. 
‘‘ They commonly keep together in coveys, or packs, 
as the phrase is, until the pairing season. ' A full pack 
consists of course of ten or a dozen. Two packs have 
been known to associate. I lately heard of one whose 
number amounted to twent3’’-two. They are so unapt 
to be startled, that a huuter, assisted by a dog, has 
been able to shoot almost a whole pack, without making 
any of them take wing. In like manner, the men l^'ing 
in concealment near the scratching places, h.avc been 
known to discharge several guns before either the 
report of the explosion, or the sight of their wounded 
and dead fellows, would rouse them to llight. It has 
farthci been remarked, that when a company of sports- 
men have surrounded a pack of grouse, the birds seldom 
or nev er rise upon their pinions while thej^ are encircled j 
but each runs along until it passes the person that i» 
nearest, and then llutters off with the utmost expedi 
tion. 
As you have made no inquiry of me concerning the 
ornithologipil character of these birds, I have not 
mentioned it, presuming that you are already perfectly 
acquainted with their cIa.ssitication and description. 
In a short memoir written in 1803 , and printed in the 
eighth volume of the Mecltcal liepository, I ventured 
an opinion as to the genus and species. Whether I 
was correct is a technical matter, which I leave yon 
to adjust. I am well aiiare that European accounts 
of our productions are often erroneous, and require 
revision and amendment. This you must perform. 
