12 ITiANK SCHLEY'S rARTRIDGE AND PHEASAJfT SHOOTING. 



bei-s from the coast to the headwaters of Devil's Eivcr, and 

 also along the Pecos Eiver ; but farther west than this none 

 were seen. In the open prairie lands great numbers were 

 always found early in the morning in the road. The close 

 resemblance of its habits to those of the common Partridge 

 was also noticed. 



This Quail was first observed by Dr. Heermann in abun- 

 dance on the Pecos Eiver, although seen some days previ- 

 ous to reaching that point. Their numbers increased as 

 they neared civilization, and near San Antonio they be- 

 came very plentiful. The call of the male bird is said to 

 consist of two notes repeated at intervals, which are less 

 loud, clear, and ringing than those of the common Ortyx 

 Virgin ianus. They feed on the open prairies on grass seeds, 

 grains, berries, and insects, and, if alarmed, they take refuge 

 among the scattered mesquite-trecs and clumps of bushes. 

 When hunted, they lie to the dog in the manner of the 

 common species, and, if flushed, fly in a direct line, with a 

 loud whirring noise, caused by the shortness and rapid mo- 

 tion of the wings. An egg of this bird, found by Dr. Heer- 

 mann dro])ped upon the road, was in form and color like 

 that of the common Quail, but smaller. 



Mr. Dresser states that in Texas this bird is known as the 

 " Common Partridge " of the country. He found it abun- 

 dant everywhere in localities suitable to its habits. N^ear 

 Matamoras it was very common, and was the only species 

 of Quail he noticed there. At Eagle Pass and Piedras.Jl^e- 

 gras, where the soil is sandy, the grass scanty, and cacti 

 alnmdant, he saw only one bevy, but plenty of the Calli- 

 licjild Squamata. Near San Antonio only this Quail is found, 

 nor did he observe any other species in travelling towards 

 the northeast. Amongst the Bandara Hills, where he met 

 with the Massena Partridge, he also found the Texan Quail 

 in the valley and near the maize-flelds. In travelling from 

 Brownsville to San Antonio the Texan Quail was every- 

 where abundant except in the sand deserts. This species 

 was found to be rather irregular as to its breeding' season, 

 as he iound young Ijirds near Matamoi-as early in July, and 



