1 8 The Parhidge Family 



of their seniors. As insect catchers they are un- 

 rivalled, their keen eyes and tireless little legs 

 being a most efficient equipment even for a sus- 

 tained chase. The parents scratch for them and 

 call them to some dainty after the manner of ban- 

 tam fowls, and the shrewd chicks speedily grasp 

 the idea and set to work for themselves. A tiny 

 quail scratching in a dusty spot is a most amus- 

 ing sight. The wee legs twinkle through the 

 various movements, at a rate which the eye can 

 scarcely follow, and the sturdy feet kick the dust 

 for inches around. When a prey is uncovered it 

 is pounced upon with amazing speed and accu- 

 racy, while a flying insect may call forth an elec- 

 tric leap and a clean catch a foot or more above 

 the ground. As the season advances grain, seeds 

 of various weeds, berries, wild grapes, and mast 

 are added to the menu, in which insects still 

 remain prominent. After the wheat has been 

 cut the broad stubbles become favorite resorts, 

 especially when they are crowded with ragweed. 

 Patches of standing corn now furnish attractive 

 shelter and the suitable dusting-places so neces- 

 sary to gallinaceous birds. Quail, as a rule, go 

 to feed early in the morning and again about mid- 

 afternoon, lying up during the interval in some 

 cosey nook which offers facilities for the dust-bath 

 and a quiet siesta. Not infrequently the feeding- 

 ground is a considerable distance from the mid- 



