GALLINAE— PERDICIDAE— LOPHORTYX GAMBELl. 



441 



Mexico. At Camp Apache, they were quite numerous, living in the river bot- 

 tom and feeding upon seeds and insects. Near Mount Turnbull, also, I saw 

 many coveys, though, from the apparently waterless condition of the 

 canons where they were found, it was not easy to see how they could exist. 

 In the wilderness, they are very shy and wild ; but near settlements they 

 seem to lose their suspicion somewhat, and are much more easily approached. 

 They are extremely loath to take wing, and, as they run very swiftly, it is 

 no easy matter to force a covey to fly ; yet, when once started, their flight is 

 swift and strong, and usually protracted to a considerable distance. They 

 rarely squat under cover, as the well known Bob White is wont to do, 

 but usually take the shortest route to the nearest rocky hill, up which they 

 run, and where it is useless to attempt pursuit. From the above character- 

 istics, it will at once be seen that this bird has few qualities to attract the 

 sportsman. 



