494 
SPOTTED GROUSE. 
different birds. Tins error, wliich originated with Edwards 
and Brisson, from whom it was copied by Linne, was rectified 
Tetrao Franklmii, Douglas. 
Teti'ao Franklinii, Dough Trans, Linn. xvi. p. 139. North. Zool. ii. p. 384, 
“ There is such a close resemblance between this and the common Canadian 
grouse, that the Prince of Musignano considers it only as a variety ; and this opinion 
is entertained also by Mr Drummond, a very acute practical observer. The lat- 
ter had ample opportunities of studying the manners of both, and he assures tis 
that he is not aware of any difference between them ; Mr Douglas, on the other 
hand, who has also seen these birds in their native regions, thinks differently, 
and although he observes, that, in habits, it assimilates more with T. Canaden- 
sis than any other, he considers the “ unusually long, square tail,” and its colour- 
ing, as sufficiently distinctive characters. In our species, the tail is not longer 
than that in Canadensis ; and, did we look to the colouring alone, however stri- 
kingly different it is in the two birds, we should be disposed to class them as 
varieties. But a more accurate examination will detect some essential difference 
in the structure of the feathers themselves. Those of Canadensis are more gra- 
duated, giving the tail a rounder appearance ; and they are all slightly, but dis- 
tinctly emarginate in the middle, from whence arises a little mucro, or point, 
formed by the end of the shafts. Now, this emargination is not seen in Frank- 
linii, nor is there any appearance of the mucro. Again, in the latter bird, the 
tail feathers are much broader, fully measuring one inch and a fifth across ; 
whereas, those of Canadensis are barely one inch broad. Until, therefore, we 
become persuaded that distinctions drawn from structure are not to be relied 
upon, we must coincide with Mr Douglas in considering the present as a dis- 
tinct species.” — W. S. 
“ I haVe never heard,” says Douglas, “ the voice of this bird, except its alarm 
note, which is two or three hollow sounds, ending in a yearning, disagreeable, 
grating noise, like the latter part of the caU of the well-known Numida Melea- 
gris. It is one of the most common birds in the valleys of the Rocky Moun- 
tains, from latitude 50 to 54 degs., near the sources of the Columbia River. It 
may perhaps be found to inhabit higher latitudes. Sparingly seen in some small 
troops on the high mountains which form the base, or platform, of the snowy 
peaks, ‘ Mount Hood,’ ‘ Mount St Helen’s,’ and ‘ Mount Baken,’ situated on 
the western parts of the continent.” 
Those grouse known under the name of ptarmigan, or the form more fami- 
liar as represented by the common red grouse of Britain, typical of the genus 
Lagopus, should be also enumerated here. 
The species mentioned by Mr Douglas, and farther described in the Northern 
Zoology, are all that have yet been authentically described as natives of North 
