LAGOPUS LEUCURUS. 
light of the sun’s rays. But we still go on, and the breeze coming from the snow-clad fields above, chills like the breath of winter ; while the 
hills that seemed so lofty when we commenced to ascend, appear now like slight undulations of the soil, as little perceptible as the heaving 
breast of the slumbering ocean on a calm midsummer’s day. All around is still ; no sound breaks the silence save our own footfalls as we 
struggle on, or perhaps the scream of the startled hawk, as he wheels in circles over us. As yet we have not seen a Ptarmigan, and the sparse 
vegetation around does not seem capable of supporting bird-life to any extent ; but suddenly, springing from almost beneath our feet, one 
rises from the moss and tufts of grass where it had lain concealed, and flying only a short distance, alights upon some projecting rock, where, 
after having watched us for a few seconds, standing perfectly motionless, it commences to dress it feathers, apparently taking no further notice 
of our movements. Before we proceed, let us cast our eyes around, and we may find the companions of the one before us, for the Ptarmigan 
loves the society of its own species, and is rarely found alone. At first nothing but the stones and grass meet our gaze, but yonder is a clump 
of grayish hue, which, as we draw nearer, takes a more definite shape, and from the midst of its compactness, twinkle a pair of bright eyes 
all alert to our movements. Drawing stiU closer, it stirs, and rising on sounding pinions, discovers the living, vigorous bird ; which, with easy 
flight, joins its mate before us. And now, our eyes more accustomed to distinguish their forms, we see them on every side nestled closely to 
the ground ; and in order that they may recover their confidence, let us return a short distance, and seat ourselves. Soon a faint chirp is 
heard, and several little heads are raised, and one individual bolder than the rest runs a few steps, then stops and looks around,-B-an insect 
flying over attracts the eye of one, and he springs to catch it, and is joined in the pursuit by several more. Thus, one by one, they return 
to their usual occupations, some seeking seeds, others dusting themselves in the way, all fear of our presence having been removed; and 
thus gratified with beholding them pursue the daily callings of their peaceful natures, we will leave them, a happy, contented little society, 
and turn on our downward path. 
In winter the present bird is perfectly white, never having in either sex the black mark through the eye observable in the males of 
perhaps its nearest ally, the Lagopus Muius, and difllers from that species also in its tail being always white, instead of black tipped with 
white. In summer the head and back part of the neck is crossed with fine lines of black and yellow, the feathers on top of the head tipped 
with white. Entire upper parts golden gray, spotted with Ron gray, and confiisedly mottled with black. Feathers on fore part of breast 
darker than the back, the black more conspicuous, and a broad white spot in the centre on both sides of the shaft, this, however, not ex- 
tending to the tip. Wings, lower part of breast, and tail, white at all seasons. In winter the plumage is pure white. 
The plate represents the two sexes of the natural size. 
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