Order GALLING. 



Family TETBAOXID^^. 



COLINUS VIRGINIANIS (L ) (289.) 



BOB-WHITE. 



This species whose notes from the corn field or the fence 

 down by the woods, are a part of the legacies of childhood 

 memories, is following up the progress of agriculture steadily, 

 but is nowhere yet abundant. After a series of mild winters 

 it has several times become greatly increased in numbers, to be 

 again decimated by an exceptionally vigorous one. 



However, the extension of agriculture throughout the State 

 generally, has increased the measure of their protection so 

 much, by affording a more reliable supply of food, and com- 

 fortable covert, that they give promise of a permanent aug- 

 mentation of their numbers. 



For quite a number of years now, the notes of Bob-white 

 have grown familiar in the region where I reside, and the sight 

 of his form along the roadways through the less frequented 

 brushlands, as well as the denser woodlands, is by no means an 

 uncommon event during the summer and autumn. Their dis- 

 tribution is yet restricted to the more favorable localities, es- 

 pecially in the advanced sections of occupation. But each year is 

 contributing to make the special distribution less defined in 

 proportion to the increase of the agricultural appropriation of 

 the lands, as well as the prohibition of brushland fires. The 

 earliest record that I have of its nesting in the section where I 

 reside, is May 5th, and I think that not exceptionally early. 

 My correspondents in the lower counties give it a week earlier 

 and the greater abundance of the species there gives them 

 ample opportunities to know in this matter. Mr. J. C. Baillie 

 who has given their whole breeding habits great attention for 

 many years, has contributed more than any other to my own 



