UPLAND SHOOTING. 
70 
vmces; while it is, I fear, scarcely less apparent that neither its 
numbers nor its manners will ever, in probability, allow it to be 
pursued successfully for the purposes of sport. 
In one respect only I must venture to differ from the great 
authority and venerable man, whom I have quoted above ; and 
this on a point only whereon the least scientific may be allowed 
to differ from the opinions of the wisest; since it is admitted 
everywhere that de gustibus non est disputandum. Mr. Audubon 
says that in winter the flesh is bitter and disagreeable. I have 
eaten it in winter, and then only, and while I must admit the 
almost resinous aromatic bitterness , I venture to pronounce it 
delicious in the extreme ; and I believe that all epicures in game 
will agree with me—all those, I mean, who prefer the back 
bone and thighs of the Ruffed Grouse of America, or the Moor- 
fowl of the British Isles, to the tamer white meat of the breast. 
European readers will understand the flavor I allude to, when 1 
state that it closely resembles that of the Capercaillie, as import¬ 
ed from Norway in the winter season. 
With this species I shall conclude my notice of the Grouse 
Tetraonidce of America, since the Willow Ptarmigan, Tetrao 
Saliceti , “ Red-necked Partridge ,” is so very rare that it really 
cannot be included under the head of Game, even that indefati¬ 
gable explorer, Mr. Audubon, having failed to discover it 
within the limits of the States, although he expresses his con¬ 
viction that “ it exists in the State of Maine, as well as in the 
Northern Districts bordering on the great lakes.” 
For the benefit of those who desire to be informed, and to 
learn the distinctions between Grouse, Pheasant, and Partridge, 
neither of the latter species existing in America, I will state sim¬ 
ply and briefly that all Grouse are feathered on the legs, below 
the termination of the thigh, some quite to the toe nails. The 
Ruffed Grouse is feathered below the knee—the Pinnated and 
Canada Grouse to the ancles—the Willow Grouse to the claws. 
Of many generic marks this is the most decided. No game¬ 
bird but the Grouse is feathered below the knee, and he always 
carries this distinctive sign after the spring migration. 
vol. i. 8 
