26 GROUSE FAMILY. 



Straw, and probably the ground, in quest of grain and insects 

 which, with seeds and various kinds of buds and berries, as 

 well as broken acorns, according to the season, often consti- 

 tute a considerable part of their native diet. 



Remaining with us commonly the whole year, the little social 

 band often suffer from the inclemency of the seasons. At 

 this time they perch together on some rising ground beneath 

 the shelter of brush or briers, and forming a close circle, with 

 their heads outward to discern any approach of danger, they 

 thus greatly aid each other by their mutual warmth to resist the 

 chilling effects of frost. It is probable, however, they have no 

 great fear of snow when together, as they may often be seen 

 patiently encountering the storm, as its white wreaths invade 

 them, and frequently on the arrival of a thaw, unfortunate 

 coveys, suspecting no danger, are found buried beneath the 

 inundating waste, huddled together in their accustomed man- 

 ner. 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 glazing 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 sociabihty 

 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 unfortunate covey, feeling their 

 weakness and solitude, are said to join some neighboring 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 stocked with this 

 favorite game. 



Some time in the month of May the Quail, at the bottom 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 convenient. Though generally 



