BOB WHITE. 165 



North and East, where the fields are small and the fences 

 difficult to let down, the sportsmen generally go on foot; 

 in the South and West, the hunters usually ride until 

 the coveys are found, and then dismount to work up the 

 scattered birds. This requires the highest type of dog. 

 He is expected to range farther and faster, and conse- 

 quently to have more endurance, than is necessary in a 

 dog which must keep within sight of a man on foot. He 

 must also be better trained, for he is at one moment re- 

 quired to range far out in search of coveys, and the next 

 he is called to work the ground closely for scattered birds. 

 I do not wish, however, to be understood as saying that 

 the dogs of the South and West are superior to those of 

 the East; being of the same blood, their natural qualities 

 are practically the same; but dogs hunted by mounted 

 sportsmen are not only required to cover more ground, 

 but should also be better trained, as they are not so 

 directly under their handler's control. For this very 

 reason, however, they are frequently not so well trained. 

 They do admirable covey work, but are less steady to 

 wing and shot, and less inclined to work ground closely 

 for scattered birds. 



Bob Whites roost at night in a circle, with their heads 

 outward, as if to guard against surprise in every direc- 

 tion. Early in the morning, if the weather is pleasant, 

 they start out to feed, and it is a pleasure to watch a 

 feeding covey, and see the contented industry, and I might 

 almost say the jolly good-nature, with which they search 

 for food. Toward noon their appetites are satisfied, and 

 they will seek some comfortable place for a midday rest. 

 If the day be cold and bleak, they will stop on some sunny 

 southern exposure. If it be hot and sultry, they will 

 seek some cool and shady place. Later in the day they 

 will again start forth to forage, and, if undisturbed, will 

 generally return to their last night's roosting : place. 



