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GROTE

507

GROUSE

bush, and is very loosely constructed. The bird belongs to the eastern United States, arrives in May, departs in September. The blue grosbeak is a little larger than the English sparrow, in color dark blue and black, has a heavy bill, is a more familiar bird in the southwest. It feeds largely upon rice. It, too, is a fine songster. The pine-grosbeak is a light red above wings with markings of black and white and gray, below a lighter red melting into pale olive; it has the heavy grosbeak bill. The pine-grosbeak belongs to the north and the evergreen forests, and only in the severest winter strays over the Canadian border. It feeds upon the seeds of pine and cedar and upon berries and buds.

Grote, George, historian of Greece, was born in Kent, England, Nov. 17, 1794. In 1810 he became a clerk in a bank founded by his grandfather, and there remained for 32 years in different capacities, rising finally to be the head of the bank, though devoting all his leisure to literary study. His first contribution was a paper in the Edinburgh Review, in reply to Sir James Mackintosh, on parliamentary reform. He became an intimate friend of James Mill, and followed him in his philosophy. A liberal in politics, he entered parliament in 1832 and was twice re-elected, though each time by a smaller majority. During all the time he was in parliament, he was, though unsuccessfully, a strong advocate of vote by ballot. In 1843 Grote retired from banking and devoted his entire time to his History of Greece, the first two volumes of which appeared in 1846 and the twelfth and last in 1856. It met at once with general favor, and has taken rank as the fullest and most complete history of Greece. Until the time of his death, on June 18, 1871, he held the offices of president of University College and vice-chancellor of London University.

Grouchy (groo'she'), Emanuel, Marquis de, French general, was born at Paris, Oct. 23, 1766. He entered the army at 14, taking sides with the Revolution, and first smelled powder in aiding to put down the Vendean revolt. He also served as second to Hoche in Ireland and under Joubert in Italy in 1798. In Piedmont he was taken prisoner while under Moreau, but was exchanged in 1799, afterward fighting with great bravery at Hohenlinden, Eylau, Friedland, Wagram and in the Russian campaign of 1812, having command in the memorable retreat of Napoleon's body-guard. On Napoleon's return from Elba he was made a marshal of France, and, marching north, routed Blucher at Ligny. Keeping strictly to the letter of his orders, he refused to march to Waterloo, and so indirectly caused the defeat of Napoleon. After the defeat at Waterloo and Napoleon's second abdication, as com-

mander-in-chief of the armies he led them back to Paris, resigned, and came to America. He returned to France in 1819, was reinstated as marshal in 1831, and died at St. Etienne on May 29, 1847.

Grouse, a common name loosely applied to quail, partridges and true grouse. It should be restricted to the grouse. These birds are distinguished from quail and partridges by having the legs, feet and nostrils feathered, with bare skin over the eyes. In summer the toes are bare, but in winter they put on their "snow-shoes" —• most of them dwellers in regions of heavy snow-fall and these birds largely ground-hunters. They live in both Europe and

RED GROUSE

North America, and there are about 24 species recognized. Grouse are among the favorite game-birds. In England parliament closes when grouse-shooting begins. The ruffled grouse is a common species in the United States. Its home is from Massachusetts and northern New York to northern Georgia. While not abundant west of the Mississippi, it is found as far as the Dakotas, and is essentially a forest bird. It gets its name from the black ruff it wears in front of the shoulders. The lower part of its legs is bare, this being the only grouse with bare legs. In color it is rusty brown with mottlings of black, gray and white. This bird is improperly called partridge in the north and pheasant in the south. The male produces a drumming sound by the use of its wings; standing on the trunk of a fallen tree or some other elevation, the wings are stretched horizontally and beaten stiffly downward, slowly at first, then increasing in speed until a sound like the roll of a drum is produced. This is to be distinguished from the booming sounds produced in other grouse by the air-sacs. The nest of the ruffled grouse is usually at the base of a tree or stump, and early in May from eight to 14 buff-colored eggs are to be found therein. The hen, when disturbed with her young, will limp and flutter about to distract attention from her chicks, these meanwhile hiding here and there, keeping very still when once secreted. Ruffled grouse, ground-birds with inconspicuous plumage, seek protec-