336 
ACCOUNT OF SEVERAL 
those of a pigeon. They are more numerous than th® 
larger species, with which they associate and lire U* 
harmony. They are shy, and not easily approached by 
the sportsman. 
“ The fourth species is named, in honour of Mr Sabin®’ 
Tetrao Sahini. Its plumage is rich and varied, an 
presents those singular appendages or shoulder-knot 
so conspicuous in another species, to which it hears 
great resemblance, the wood partridge of the Unit® 
States and Canada ( Tetrao umbellus.) The sexes <* 
not differ much from each other. The colours of 1 ' 
female are grayer and less richly toned. The weigh 
is two pounds. , 
“ Of this species the flight is rapid, and consists or * 
quick clapping of the wings, and then of a sudd® 
darting or shooting forwards, with scarcely any 
cernible movement of the individual parts. They t® e , 
on the buds of Pinus, Fragaria, Rubus, Corylus, 
Alnus, and the berries of Vaccinium. They build up 11 , 
the ground in coppices of Corylus, Amelanchier, »° 
Pteris, on the outskirts of pine forests; their nest 
are composed of the slender fronds of Pteris, dry leave-’ 
and grass. * They pair in March. The eggs are o* 
* Nests of Birds “ The construction and selected situation 
of the nests of birds, are as remarkable as the variety of mater* 
employed in them, — the same forms, places, and articles, bcia 
rarely, perhaps never, found united by the different spec* ^ 
which we should suppose similar necessities would direct to (1| 
uniform provision. Birds that build early in the spring, 
require warmth and shelter for their young; and the blackbird ® . 
the thrush line their nests with a plaster of loam, perfc® ' 
excluding, by these cottage-like walls, the keen icy gales oi ° 
opening year ; yet, should accident bereave the parents of their n^ 
hopes, they will construct another, even w-hen summer is ‘ 
advanced, "upon the model of their first erection, and with 
same precautions against severe weather, when all neressit} 
such provision has ceased, and the usual temperature of the sea-^ 
requiring coolness and a free circulation of air. The bo 
sparrow will commonly build four or five times in the year, a°“ j 
a variety of situations, under the warm eaves of our houses ‘ 
our sheds, the branch of the clustered fir, or the thick tall 
