120 Allen's naturalist's library. 



seeing I paid no attention to him. The young, already hand- 

 some and active little creatures, scattered promptly in all direc- 

 tions, and the majority were most eftectually hidden in an 

 instant. As nearly as I was able to judge they numbered 

 eleven. I caught one, but after examining it turned it loose 

 again. The feathers of the crest already showed very plainly. 



" Their food consists of insects, the buds and tender tops of 

 leguminous plants, small seeds, and berries of various kinds." 



Nest. — Generally on the ground among a collection of dead 

 leaves, and well concealed by bushes or ferns, while a favourite 

 site is said to be beneath the fallen tops of pine trees left by 

 wood-cutters. Occasionally nests are met with on the tops of 

 old decayed tree-stumps. 



Eggs. — Generally from eight to twelve in number, but some- 

 times as many as sixteen may be found. The colour varies 

 from pale cream to reddish-buff, and the shell is devoid of 

 markings. Average measurements, 1-38 by i'o6 inch. 



THE CALIFORNIAN QUAILS. GENUS LOPIIORTYX. 



Lophortyx^ Bonap. Comp. List B. Eur. and N. Amer. pp. 42, 

 43 (1838). 



Type, Z. californicus (Shaw and Nodder). 



Plumage of sexes different. Crest in both sexes extending 

 much beyond the feathers of the head. 



First primary flight-feather iniermedi.ite in letigth between 

 the eighth and ninth ; fourth generally slightly longer than the 

 third and fifth. 



Tail composed of twelve feathers, and about three-fourths of 

 the length of the wing. 



Tarsus shorter than the middle toe and claw. 



Three species about the size of the Common Quail are 

 known. 



