of four or five inches in diameter, are cut down and divided into pieces of the length of twelve or fourteen feet. Two of these are laid on the ground, parallel to each other, at a distance of ten or twelve feet. Two other pieces are laid across the ends of these, at right angles to them; and in this manner successive layers are added, until the fabric is raised to the height of four feet. It is then covered with similar pieces of wood, placed three or four inches apart, and loaded with one or two heavy logs to render the whole firm. This done, a trench, about eighteen inches in depth and width, is cut under one side of the cage, into which it opens slantingly and rather abruptly. It is continued on its outside to some distance, so as gradually to attain the level of the surrounding ground. Over the part of this trench within the pen, and close to the wall, some sticks are placed so as to form a kind of bridge about a foot in breadth.

"The trap being now finished, the owner places a quantity of Indian Corn in its centre, as well as in the trench, and as he walks off, drops here and there a few grains in the woods, sometimes to the distance of a mile. This is repeated at every visit to the trap, after the Turkeys have found it. Sometimes two trenches are cut, in which case the trenches enter on opposite sides of the trap, and are both strewn with corn. No sooner has a Turkey discovered the train of corn, than it communicates the circumstance to the flock by a cluck, when all of them come up, and searching for the grains scattered about, at length come upon the trench, which they follow, squeezing themselves, one after another, through the passage under the bridge. In this manner the whole flock sometimes enters, but more commonly, six or seven only, as they are alarmed by the least noise, even the cracking of a tree in frosty weather.

"Those within having gorged themselves, raise their heads, and try to force their way through the top or sides of the pen, passing and repassing on the bridge, but never, for a moment, looking down, or attempting to escape through the passage by which they enter. Thus they remain until the owner of the trap arriving, closes the trench, and secures his captives. Doctor Sargent informs us that it is usual, in his part of the country, to make these pens in the corners of the worm fences."

SHOOTING TURKEYS.

Various plans are resorted to by Huntsmen to kill Turkeys, dependent in a great measure upon the particular locality shot

over.

If the country be new and wild, and the Birds abundant, as well as seldom pursued, much less stratagem is necessary to approach them, than if the region is thickly settled, and the Turkeys proportionately scarce and wary from previous hunting; for in this case, it requires much labor, skill, and cunning, to entice them within gun or rifle shot.

A good Turkey-Dog is of great consequence, Audubon remarks, in the pursuit of these Birds, as they not only scent the game from a great distance, but when up with it, perform the most essential service in running into their midst, and forcing them to take flight to the trees in the utmost confusion, thus procuring for the Sportsman the most desirable shots.

If the Turkeys were not thus scattered by the Dog, and made to take to the trees in disorder and terror, they would all make off in a body, with such suddenness and precipitancy, that it would be impossible for the Sportsman to come up with them.

The Wild Turkey runs with amazing celerity, vigor, and bottom, in so much that they soon outstrip both Dog and Rider; even when badly winged, it requires a swift Dog to overtake them.

Turkeys are easily killed if shot in the head or neck; when hit only in the body, they most frequently make off and are lost to the Hunter.

It is a common practice in some localities, to shoot these Birds on their roost on moonlight nights, when they can be distinguished quite easily on the trees.

Dr. Sargent states "that Wild Turkeys commence gobbling a little before the break of day, and continue on their roosts until broad light; during this interim, the Hunter can cautiously glide within shooting distance of the tree upon which they are perched, and, silently and patiently awaiting till the dawn has broken, secure his game without further trouble. This march upon our victims, however, must be accomplished in the most

stealthy manner, otherwise, the wary Gobbler will be alarmed, and seek safety in the most inglorious flight." If such should be the case, the Doctor further remarks, that the Sportsman must now remain perfectly calm and quiet for twenty minutes or so, and then, perhaps, by a few well-timed yelps, may be able to draw the wary, but still amorous swain within the deadly ambush. Another artifice has also been resorted to by the Doctor, to secure this wary Bird, by securing a tame Turkey in a suitable position, with a long cord attached to his leg, by pulling which, the captive is made to cluck from time to time, so as to attract the notice of any wild ones that are known to be concealed or feeding in the immediate vicinity; for a Gobbler, on hearing this call or cry of another, instantly rushes forwards to meet him, and is thus easily shot down.

ENEMIES.

The Wild Turkey is pursued, harassed, and preyed upon by Quadrupeds innumerable, as well as by the larger species of Birds of Prey. The Wolf, Fox, Lynx, Cougars, Opossums, and Wild Cats, all prowl about, destroying their nests as well as tender offspring, or, lying in wait, pounce upon the full-grown Birds as their lawful prey.

Audubon remarks on this head, "that the Lynx sucks their eggs, and is extremely expert at seizing both young and old, which he effects in the following manner: When he has discovered a flock of Turkeys, he follows them at a distance for some time, until he ascertains the direction in which they are proceeding. He then makes a rapid circular movement, gets in advance of the flock, and lays himself down in ambush, until the Birds come up, when he springs upon one of them by a single bound, and secures it. While once sitting in the woods, on the banks of the Wabash, I observed two large TurkeyCocks on a log by the river, pluming and picking themselves. I watched their movements for awhile, when, of a sudden, one of them flew across the river, while I perceived the other struggling under the grasp of a Lynx."

The larger species of Owls, as well as Hawks, are said to

attack and destroy the full-grown Birds as well as those of a more tender age.

The lurking and noisome Serpent also plunders the nest and secures the helpless brood when first merged into existence.

"Two whirring Pheasants swept across our path,
And swift as lightning flew the fiery death-"

THEIR LOCALITY.

THE Ruffed Grouse is found in almost every section of our country, from the northernmost latitudes, even as far south as Georgia. They are at times abundant in the pines of Jersey, as well as the mountainous ranges of the Mississippi and Columbia Rivers.

Numbers of Grouse were formerly found in the higher elevations of the barrens of Kentucky and Tennessee; and some remain there even at the present time, although far less abundant than they were a few years since. This particular section of country afforded fine protection and plenty of agreeable food for these Birds, and the regular temperature of the climate was at all times such as was most congenial to their habits.