RUFFED GROUS. 
19 
spersed, the latter, or Pheasant, was frequently met with; but 
not a single individual of the former. 
The native haunts of the Pheasant being a cold, high, moun- 
tainous and woody country, it is natural to expect that as we 
descend thence to the sea shores, and the low, flat and warm 
climate of the southern states, these birds should become more 
rare, and such indeed is the case. In the lower parts of Caro- 
lina, Georgia and Florida, they are very seldom observed; but 
as we advance inland to the mountains, they again make their 
appearance. In the lower parts of New Jersey we indeed oc- 
casionally meet with them; but this is owing to the more north- 
erly situation of the country; for even here they are far less nu- 
merous than among the mountains. 
Dr. Turton, and several other English writers, have spoken 
of a Long-tailed Grous, said to inhabit the back pai'ts of Virgi- 
nia, which can be no other than the present species, there being, 
as far as I am acquainted, only these two, the Ruffed and Pin- 
nated Grous, found native within the United States. 
The manners of the Pheasant are solitary; they are seldom 
found in coveys of more than four or five together, and more 
usually in pairs or singly. They 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 droppings of the horses. 
In travelling among the mountains that bound the Susquehanna, 
I was always able to furnish myself with an abundant supply of 
these birds, every morning, without leaving the path If the 
weather be foggy, or lowering, they are sure to be seen in such 
situations. They generally move along with great stateliness, 
their broad fan-like tail spread out in the manner exhibited in 
the drawing. The drumming, as it is usually called, of the 
Pheasant, is another singularity of this species. This is per- 
formed by the male alone. In walking through solitary woods 
frequented by these birds, a stranger is surprised 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 slow and distinct; but gradually increase 
