Several  kinds  of  Grouse  are  to  be  found  in  various  parts  of  this  country,
but  only  one  occurs  within  the  limits  of  our  State.  This  is  the  Ruffed
Grouse,  called  "Pheasant"  by  many  West  Virginians  and  "Partridge"
by  persons  from  farther  north,  though  this  last  name  is  usually  applied
to  the  Bobwhite  in  this  section.  Like  our  other  Game  Birds  the  Ruffed
Grouse  has  decreased  greatly  in  numbers  during  the  past  few  years,
though  it  may  be  found  in  most  localities  throughout  the  State.  Along
the  Ohio  Valley  this  species  is  very  rare,  but  in  the  hilly  region,  the
plateau  and  mountain  regions  of  West  Virginia  it  is  rather  common,
where  there  are  extended  forests.  The,  flesh  of  this  bird  is  of  excellent
quality,  and  is  much  sought  for  by  those  who  prize  such  delicacies.  Of
its  food  Ernest  Thompson  Seton  says,  "The  food  of  this  Grouse  is  largely
insects  and  berries  during  the  summer;  in  the  autumn  it  adds  seeds  to
the  list,  and  when  the  ground  is  covered  with  snow  the  staples  are
catkins,  leaves,  and  buds."  About  the  glade  regions  of  West  Virginia
this  Grouse  is  often  found  feeding  among  the  alders  and  the  ground
hemlocks  that  are  found  along  the  edges  of  the  great  swamps.
I
Wild   Turkey.
