THE BOB-WHITE. 441 
corn, end then went foraging in the fields for waste grain and weed and 
grass seeds. 
The warm days of early April stir Mr. Bob to send forth his ringing 
challenge over field and meadow, for he has chosen his preserve and will . 
defend it against all comers. He is not worrying, just now, about his wife. 
His duty is first to provide the home preserve. Battles for this preserve 
and for possession of the female often occur, in regions where the birds are 
numerous, but the bird in possession usually wins, because he has the better 
conscience. 
The nest is made on the ground among the grass and weeds, the dead 
grass often being used to form an arch over the nest. First nests are pretty 
sure to be arched over and almost completely covered, leaving an opening 
in the side for the birds P .toenter. The eggs are 
arranged small ends in, and if the 
Cree Si Vial ae. Via < AY numerous, there 
Photo by 
Taken necr Tifiin. Rev. W. F. Henninger. 
NEST AND: EGGS OF THE BOB-WHITE. 
are two, and sometimes three tiers piled up like cannon balls. I found one 
nest containing twenty-six eggs arranged in this manner. 
The methods to which the old birds will resort to protect the young 
