AMERICAN PARTRIDGE, OR QUAIL. 651 



in their accustomed form. They are observed, even, on 

 the approach of danger, to rush into the snow for shelter, 

 and it is only when the drift becomes so consolidated by 

 a frozen orlazinor of sleet as to resist all their efforts to 

 move, that it proves their grave, rather than their retreat. 



As they happen to afford a favorite and delicate article 

 of food, every means which gun and trap can effect are 

 put in operation against the innocent race. Their very 

 sociability often affords means for their destruction ; for 

 while crowded together in a ring, a dozen or more have 

 been killed at a shot, and the small remains of the unfor- 

 tunate covey, feeling their weakness and solitude, are 

 said to join some neighbouring brood, for whom they 

 soon form the same friendly attachment they had for the 

 fraternity they have lost. 



From the latter end of August to the month of March, 

 the markets of all our principal cities are often cheaply 

 stocked with this favorite game.* 



Some time in the month of May, the Quail, at the bot- 

 tom of a sheltering tuft of grass, scratches out a cavity 

 for her nest, which is usually lined substantially with 

 such withered leaves and dry grass as happen to be con- 

 venient. Though generally open, it is sometimes partially 

 covered by art and accident, but no studious concealment 

 is ever practised by this artless bird. The eggs are from 

 15 to 20 ; and unlike the spotted charge of the true Quail, 

 are pure white, and rather suddenly narrowed at the 

 smaller end. The period of incubation is about four 

 weeks. They have generally two broods in a season, as 

 young birds scarcely fledged may be observed here as 

 late as the beginning of October. When this happens, 

 it is not uncommon to find both coveys still associating 



* The usual price in the markets of Boston and New York is from 10 to 15 cents a 

 pair. 



