hodge] NATURE-STUDY AND AMERICAN CAME BIRDS 135 



rearing to maturity from 20 to 30 eggs gratis and then distribute 

 the birds in pairs or trios to State reserves or private estates if 

 assurance can be given that they will be afforded reasonable pro- 

 tection. The eggs should come from at least two clutches so 

 that we could mate the birds without danger of inbreeding. For 

 the above purpose, I would also be willing to pa}' Si. 00 apiece for 

 up to 30 unincubated wild turkey eggs, payment to be made upon 

 hatching of some of the eggs at least. In clearing forest land and 

 in logging operations in the southern Appalachian Mountains, 

 nests are sometimes disturbed and deserted, so that no loss would 

 result. Or if a nest is located and the eggs taken as soon as the 

 clutch is complete and before incubation begins, the bird will 

 probably lay a second time, and thus little loss would occur. At 

 any rate, on finding a nest, it would be advisable to telegraph me 

 at my expense and receive a reply before sending the eggs. 



The Prairie Chicken. Nests are often broken up during 

 spring plowing or haying. It is desirable to domesticate and 

 reintroduce this species into its eastern habitat. As above, I 

 will pay for unincubated eggs $.25 apiece and all expenses of 

 collecting, telegraphing and express for the chance of helping 

 in this work. 



The Bobwhite or American Quail — This bird is beginning to be 

 appreciated as probably the most effective insect destroyer f the 

 field and garden. Innumerable nests are broken up in haying 

 and harvesting. If incubation has begun, these eggs may be 

 saved by wearing them in the crown of a hat until they can be 

 slipped under a brooding hen. In this way the writer lias had 

 ruffed grouse eggs carried as much as a day in an}' stage of incu- 

 bation and all have hatched perfectly. The eggs may also be 

 hatched in an incubator by giving long periods of cooling — one to 

 two hours — in hot weather. It would be well in connection with 

 this important work if the children kept a fe v cochin bantams 

 and let them brood all summer, for quail nests may be broken up 

 while cutting the rowen in September. The writer has bob- 

 whites hatched September 13 and by November 1 they were 

 scarcely distinguishable from birds hatched earlier. 



No birds make more charming pets and the quantities of injur- 

 ious insects which they destroy ought to give them the place of 

 honor in every garden and field in the land. A bobwhite hen ate 

 1286 rose slugs July 2 and laid the first of 20 eggs July 4. Another 



