IXTEODUOTION. 
“When full grown and in good condition, they frequently weigh two pounds; and though the flesh is dark, yet it is juicy, 
and always esteemed good eating, particularly Avheu larded and roasted. In summer they feed on berries, and in winter on the 
tops of the dAvarf birch and the buds of the poplar. In the fall they are tolerably tame, but in the severe cold more shy; 
frequently perch on the tops of the highest poplar-s, and will not suffer a near approach. They sometimes, when disturbed in 
this situation, dive into the snoAv; but the sportsman is equally balked in his expectations, as they force their way so fast under 
it, as to raise flight many yards distant from the place they entered, and very frequently in a different direction to that from 
which the sportsman expects. They, like the other species of Grouse, make their nests on the ground, and lay from ten to 
thirteen eggs. Like the Euffed Grouse, they cannot be tamed, as many trials have been made at York Fort Avithout success; for 
though they never made their escape, yet they always died, probably from the Avant of proper food, for the hens that hatched 
them were as fond of them as they coidd possibly have been had they been the produce of their OAvn eggs. This species of Grouse 
is called by the Southern Indians, 'Aav-KIs-Coav.”’ 
For the next genus I retain Eeicheubach’s term. 
C U P I D O N I A, 
WITH THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERS. 
Bill moderate. Wings rounded. Tail short ; the feathers stiffened. Gular sacs concealed by tufts of lanceolate feathers. Tarsi thickly 
feathered. 
The single species of this genus, is peculiar to North America, and dwells in large flocks upon the western prairies. It is the 
IG. CUPIDONIA CTJPIDO, Plate XVI. 
There seems to be some doubt among authoi’S regai-ding the proper term for the remaining genus ; some considering the 
Lagopus of Brisson as different from the Lagopus of Vieillot. 
As the former is not deemed an authority for species, it may naturally be supposed that a like verdict would be rendered 
against him regarding genera ; but in this instance he has instituted the genus, taking the Tctrao Lagopus of Linnseus as his 
type, and Vieillot, in his Analyse, has simply folloAAed him. 
It would therefore oidy be rendering due justice that I should retain for the next group Brisson’s term of 
LAGOPUS, 
WITH THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERS. 
Bill moderate • 
covered 
nasal groove covered •with feathers, in 
•with hair-like feathers to the nails. 
winter reaching over on to the bill 
Tail moderate. Legs and feet densely 
The species are, 
17. LAGOPUS ALBUS, 
18. “ SGOTICUS, 
19. “ PEESIOUS, 
PL.ATES XVII AND XVIII. 
Plate XIX. 
Plate XX. 
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