grouse - Habits of the bird
1875. Dec. 31 - 1875
(Dec. 31) [December 31, 1875] by the sound of his wings. Going 
to the spot where last we heard him
we searched in vain, and never saw
him again. Another which Jim
shot at within 15 yds. fell in the
open and immediately getting up on
his feet commenced walking off with 
slow majestic tread, lowering his head
occasionally as if feeding and at every
step jetting his tail elegantly. After
watching him for some time in
amazement as he seemed not to 
regard our presence in the least, 
we went up to him and
picked him up without any difficulty
and then the mystery was explained
not only was his wing broken but
the life blood was welling to his bill
and at each downward movement
of the head bright drops of gore
fell upon the leaves: A noble old
cock he was, and without doubt
had his wing been untouched, we
should have watched his whirring
flight, a hundred rods or more
off over the birches. Nearly all the
birds started within flying distance
of the pines took to them and lit
in the trees. In such cases unless the pine
is a very tall one, the bird invariably
starts when you get nearly under him.
Saw a surprising number of rabbits, at least
25 during the day. Had supper at the
hotel and took the 6.36 train home
W.B. [William Brewster] 4 grouse (-1/2) 19 shots. J.C.M. [James C. Melvin] 3 grouse (-1/2) 14 shots
Total bag 6 grouse