104 0N THE WING. 



fashion, and returning to their breeding-grounds before 

 the first fall of snow. Some interesting statements 

 have been made by those who have examined this 

 question, and it is a fact, that large flocks of quail are 

 sometimes found in hot, dry seasons, running on the 

 ground in the vicinity of and toward the salt water, 

 and so rapidly that a sportsman cannot keep pace with 

 them. At such times they are uncommonly wild, and 

 will not suffer a dog to point them. This fact that 

 they are often found in large numbers about the salt 

 water in hot weather, added to the fact that at such 

 times they are quite scarce inland, gives support to the 

 partially migratory theory. 



In shooting these birds in the fall season, No. 8 shot 

 should be used, with a full charge of powder ; for most 

 of the shots will be made in their rear, and their vul- 

 nerable parts will not be exposed. If your gun weighs 

 about seven lbs., shoot 3 drachms of good powder, and 

 1 \ oz. of No. 8 shot. In cross shots, put the gun from 

 twelve to eighteen inches ahead, if they are thirty-five 

 or forty yards distant. 



The Northern quail (Perdix Virginianus) much re- 

 sembles the English quail, both in its habits and in 

 the color of its flesh. But it is nearly one third smaller 

 than the latter bird, and is quite unlike it in its call or 

 whistle. 



The American quail has been exported to Europe, 

 but, so far as I can learn, there has been no success 

 in raising them ; and, being somewhat dissimilar in 

 disposition, they have not mixed with the English 

 birds. 



