UPLAND SHOOTING. 
67 
male alone. In walking through the solitary woods frequented 
by these birds, a stranger is surprised by suddenly hearing a 
kind of thumping, very similar to that produced by striking two 
full-blown ox-bladders together, but much louder; the strokes 
at first are slow and distinct, but gradually increase in rapidity, 
till they run into each other : resembling the rumbling sound of 
very distant thunder dying away gradually on the ear. After a 
few minutes’ pause, this is again repeated, and in a calm day 
may be heard nearly a mile off. This drumming is most com¬ 
mon in spring, and is the call of the cock to a favorite female. 
It is produced in the following manner : The bird, standing on 
an old prostrate log, generally in a retired and sheltered situa¬ 
tion, lowers his wings, erects his expanded tail, contracts his 
throat, elevates the two tufts of feathers on the neck, and 
inflates his whole body something in the manner of a Turkey- 
cock, strutting and wheeling about in great stateliness. After a 
few manoeuvres of this kind he begins to strike with his stiffened 
wings in short and quick strokes, which become more and more 
rapid until they run into each other, as has been already describ¬ 
ed. This is most common in the morning and evening, though I 
have heard them drumming at all hours of the day. By means 
of this, the gunner is led to his retreat, though to those unac¬ 
quainted with the sound there is great deception in the supposed 
distance, it generally appearing to be much nearer than it really 
is. The Pheasant* begins to pair in April, and builds its nest 
early in May. This is placed on the ground at the root of a 
bush, old log, or other sheltered or solitary situation, well-sur¬ 
rounded with withered leaves. Unlike that of the Quail, it is 
open above, and is usually composed of dry leaves and grass. 
The eggs are from nine to fifteen in number, of brownish-white, 
without any spots, and nearly as large as those of a Pullet. The 
young leave the nest as soon as hatched, and are directed by the 
cluck of the mother, very much in the manner of the common 
Hen. On being surprised, she exhibits all the distress and affec¬ 
tionate manoeuvres of the Quail, and most other birds, to lead you 
* An error! The Ruffed Grouse is polygamous, and does not pair at alL 
