PINNATED GROUS. 
663 
of Indiana, and as far south as Nashville in Tennessee; 
but I believe, no where more abundant than in the plains 
of Missouri, whence they continue to the Rocky Moun- 
tains, and are even found in the remote region of Oregon. 
Dislike of moisture, as with the Turkey, but principally 
the nature of their food, appears to influence them in the 
choice of their resort. The small acorns of the dwarf 
oaks, and various kinds of wild fruits, as strawberries, 
whortle-berries, and partridge-berries, with occasional 
insects, abounding in these wooded thickets, appear to 
be the principal inducement to their residence ; from 
which they rarely wander at any season, unless compel- 
led by a failure of their usual food, and so become, not- 
withstanding the almost inaccessible nature of the ground, 
a sure prey to the greedy and exterminating hunter. In 
the Western States, where they appear as an abundant 
species, they are, at times, observed to traverse the plains 
and even cross extensive rivers in quest of the means of 
subsistence. In winter they likewise feed on buds as well 
as mast, sometimes swallowing leaves, and occasion- 
ally the buds of the pine. At times, if convenient, they 
have been known to visit the buck-wheat field, for their 
fare, or even devour the leaves of clover. In wintry storms 
they seek shelter by perching in the evergreens ; but in 
spring and summer they often roost on the ground in 
company. They feed mostly in the morning and evening ; 
and when they can stir abroad without material molesta- 
tion, they often visit arable lands in the vicinity of their 
retreats. In the inclemency of winter, like the duail, 
they approach the barn, basking and perching on the 
fences, occasionally venturing to mix with the poul- 
try in their repast ; and are then often taken in traps. 
The season for pairing is early in the spring, in March 
or April. At this time the behaviour of the male be- 
