202 FEATHERED GAME 



eastern gunner. But it is only in the sparsely 

 settled portions of New England — in the com- 

 paratively few stretches of open country, — 

 large hayfields or pastures — that the Upland 

 dwells and raises his family. From the nature 

 of our section it is only to be expected that 

 fewer of this species are found here than in the 

 "West, where every condition is favorable and 

 all things are as though especially planned for 

 their comfort and happiness. 



Here in New England they begin to nest dur- 

 ing the latter part of May. At this season the 

 male is very attentive to his mate, seldom leav- 

 ing her for any length of time, and even then, 

 model husband that he is, he does not stray far 

 from home. The nest is a flimsy affair of dry 

 grass lining a shallow hollow in the ground. 

 The eggs, generally four in number, are clay- 

 colored and speckled over with brownish spots. 



All through the warm days of spring and 

 early summer the Upland enjoys perfect peace 

 and security. The meadow grass and daisies 

 grow tall and stout around the nest, shading 

 and sheltering the little home so snugly hidden 

 away from all disturbers. When the little ones 

 have struck out for themselves the fat and lazy 



