I really like the stylization of early Parker engraving. I know we kid about it, but it is really not intended to be realistic, or even naturalistic (nor did Picasso see people as flounders). I'm sure they are meant to represent Prairie Chickens, as there were still good numbers of them, even if not in New England (the Heath Hen was either gone or nearly so by then). What they really are is adornment on the frame by a craftsman from the long past. No CNC machines here! No Banknote or Bulino engraving -- thankfully!
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"Doubtless the good Lord could have made a better game bird than bobwhite, and better country to hunt him in...but equally doubtless, he never did." -- Guy de la Valdene (from A Handful of Feathers )
"'I promise you,' he said, 'on my word of honor, I won't die on the opening of the bird season.'" -- Robert Ruark (from The Old Man and the Boy)
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