25 2 
RUFFED GROUSE. 
there is great deception in the supposed distance, it generally 
appearing to be much nearer than it really is. % 
The Pheasant begins to pair in April, and builds its nest 
early in May. This is placed on the ground, at the root of a 
bush, old log, or other sheltered and solitary situation, well 
surrounded with withered leaves. Unlike that of the Quail, 
it is open above, and is usually composed of dry leaves and 
grass. The eggs are from nine to fifteen in number, of a 
brownish white, without any spots, and nearly as large as those 
of a pullet. The young leave the nest as soon as hatched, and 
are directed by the cluck of the mother, very much in the 
manner of the common hen. On being surprised, she exhibits 
all the distress and affectionate manoeuvres of the Quail, and of 
most other birds, to lead you away from the spot. I once 
started a hen Pheasant with a single young one, seemingly 
only a few days old : there might have been more, but I 
observed only this one. The mother fluttered before me for 
a moment; but, suddenly darting towards the young one, 
seized it in her bill, and flew off along the surface through the 
woods, with great steadiness and rapidity, till she was beyond 
my sight, leaving me in great surprise at the incident. I made 
a very close and active search around the spot for the rest, but 
without success. Here was a striking instance of something 
more than what is termed blind instinct, in this remarkable 
* Mr Audubon confirms the correctness of Wilson’s comparison of the 
drumming noise produced by this bird. He mentions having often called them 
within shot by imitating the sound, which he accomplished “ by beating a large 
inflated bullock’s bladder with a stick, keeping up as much as possible the same 
time as that in which the bird beats. At the sound produced by the bladder 
and the stick, the male Grouse, inflamed with jealousy, has flown directly 
towards me, when, being prepared, I have easily shot it. An equally successful 
stratagem is employed to decoy the males of our little Partridge, by imitating 
the call-note of the female during spring and summer ; but in no instance, after 
repeated trials, have I been able to entice the Pinnated Grouse to come towards 
me, whilst imitating the booming sounds of that bird.” 
Most game are very easily called by those expert at imitating sounds. 
Grouse are often called by poachers, and Partridges may be brought near by a 
quill and horse-hair. Many of the Tringce and Totani are easily whistled. — Ed. 
