RUFFED GROUSE. 
251 
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 performed 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 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 day, may be heard 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 an 
old prostrate log, generally in a retired and sheltered situation, 
lowers his wings, erects his expanded tail, contracts his throat, 
elevates the two tufts of feathers on the neck, and inflates his 
whole body, something in the manner of the Turkey Cock, 
strutting and wheeling about with great stateliness. After a 
few manoeuvres of this kind, he begins to strike with his 
stiffened wings in short and quick strokes, which become more 
and more rapid until they run into each other, as has been 
already described. This is most common in the morning and 
evening, though I have heard them drumming at all hours of 
the day. By means of this, the gunner is led to the place of 
his retreat; though, to those unacquainted with the sound. 
