418 GALLINACEOUS BIRDS. 



means of this precaution the whole flock can see in all directions, 

 and fly away at once in case of danger, without one interfering 

 with the other. Each bird, in fact, has a clear space in front of 

 him, and runs no risk of being impeded by his companions when 

 desirous of taking flight. 



The Colin is also distinguished from the Partridge by its 

 vagrant habits. In this- respect it resembles the Quail, but its 

 peregrinations are irregular, and do not embrace anything like 

 the same extent of range. This bird is a native of North America, 



Fig. 168. California!! Colin (Lophortyx californicus, Bonaparte). 



where it abounds. It exists in some districts of the United 

 States to such an extent that, during one winter, in a circuit of 

 not more than five or six leagues in extent, as many as twelve 

 thousand head have been killed, without any apparent diminution 

 of the species in the ensuing spring. 



Having been brought to England and looked after, the Vir- 

 ginian has bred. Similar attempts have been made in France, 

 but with less success, owing to a want of perseverance. The Colin 

 would be an excellent addition to our game birds, as its flesh is 

 delicate, and it lies well before pointers or setters. 



The Californian Colin (Fig. ] 68), familiarly known as the Cali- 

 fornian Quail, is a beautiful bird, adorned with a crest, the upper 

 portion of which points forward. They are only found on the 



