402 
GAME BIRDS. 
he can slip out of the far side of a pine-tree without being observed. The greater 
part of his time is spent among the branches of these trees, the needles forming a 
considerable portion of his food, and giving the flesh a strong flavour of turpentine. 
This group contains only two representatives, namely, the 
American Grous6 ox ^ ^ t t 
Canadian grouse or spruce-partridge (Canachites canadensis) of 
HYBRID BETWEEN BLACKCOCK AND CAPERCAILLIE (1 liat. size). 
Canada and the Northern States to the east of the Rocky Mountains, and its near 
ally, Franklin’s grouse (C. franldini), inhabiting the coast-ranges to the west of 
the same chain. Both are about the size of a partridge, and have sixteen tail- 
feathers ; the cocks pair with only one female, probably often retaining the 
same mate for more than one season. The male Canadian grouse has the upper- 
parts mostly grey shading into sandy or rufous white on the wings, and barred 
