102 ON THE WING. 



light rain, it is likely to freeze and form a crust through 

 which they cannot work. I have heard that many 

 coveys of quail were found in the spring of 1867, which 

 had been entirely frozen to death in this manner. 



As previously mentioned, the quail should be hunted 

 about the hedges of fields of grain, near copses of 

 woods, and the low thick underbrush which forms 

 their cover. If it be a dry season, work in lower 

 ground, and vice versa. Their best feeding time is 

 quite early in the morning. When the weather is wet 

 or misty, however, they will feed much later in the day, 

 working out into the open field as soon as the weather 

 clears up a little. During rainy weather they will keep 

 to the cover most of the day, not coming out till to- 

 ward sunset, when the sportsman can almost always 

 find them feeding ; but, as they are lively eaters, on 

 good feeding-ground they will soon fill themselves. 



I consider the quail the best game-bird with which 

 to train the setter or pointer, as they give off a strong 

 scent, and are likely to be found in open fields and 

 among hedges, where the dog has a better chance to 

 work under the care and direction of his master. The 

 dog always loves the scent of this bird, and it is often 

 difficult to keep him in, especially when on the trail 

 of a whole covey. 



When your dog is on the point for quail, walk up 

 firmly but slowly until you get your position, and when 

 all is ready, if your movements do not flush the covey, 

 (as they often will) let the dog put them up, or put 

 them up yourself according as the dog has been 

 trained. After having discharged both barrels (which 



