8 
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATURAL 
[March, 1885. 
Since railroads and the telegraphs have enabled the specula¬ 
tors to follow them to their breeding-stations and take them by 
the thousand, to be shot by the few for the gratification of the few 
more, this wholesale slaughter has nearly destroyed the pigeons. 
We do not see one where hundreds were found thirty years ago. 
Wild Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) were once abundant. The 
last known to occur in the eastern part of the State was on 
November 1st, 1846, when a small flock made their appearance 
near Racine. They were hunted with so much energy that the 
entire number was killed. 
The Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) was abundant, but is 
now scarce within twenty miles of Racine, though they still 
“ hold the fort ” in the northern part of the State, in spite of 
hunters and dogs. 
Prairie-hens (Cupidonia cupido) were found in great num¬ 
bers. A sportsman with a good dog generally bagged from forty 
to sixty in a day, sometimes even more. 
No better ground for grouse-shooting could be found than 
the prairies near Racine in old times, or previous to 1858. Now 
there are many hunters and little game—a meagre gleaning in 
place of an abundant harvest. Railroads and hunters are re¬ 
sponsible for the change. 
The Sharp-tailed Grouse (.Pedicecetes phasianellus) was not 
rare once. In September, 1848, I shot an entire covey of eight¬ 
een and found them in fine condition and of good flavor. For 
thirty years none have been seen. 
Quails (Oityx virginiciiius) were so numerous, years ago, tha 
they came in coveys into the town. I have shot them in nr 
garden. In the fall and winter of 1S49 and 1850, C. A. Orvi 
collected and shipped to tire city of New York’ two tons o 
quail. Since this enterprise they became greatly diminish^ 
and have never recovered from that attack. Since, there ha 
been a cold winter when many quails froze in their roostim 
places; hundreds were thus frozen in bunches of ten to fifteer 
I have not seen a quail near Racine for two years. 
The first Woodcock (Philohela minor) seen near Racine was i 
the spring of 1849, since which time they have steadily increa* 
