394 



LAND-BIRDS AND GAME-BIRDS 



it is more neatly constructed, being frequently lined with 

 strips of bark, and is often built in more open or bushy places. 

 The eggs average about 1*20 X 1*00 of an inch, are somewhat 

 pointed, and are white (often slightly stained but not strictly 

 spotted). They are laid in the latter part of May, and there 

 are sometimes, according to Wilson, twenty-four in the same 

 nest, in which case two or three females probably contribute to 

 the laying. 



(c). The Quail are abundant in the three Southern States of 



New England, except in 

 the colder and more hilly 

 portions. They are not 

 found much to the north 

 or east of Boston, in the 

 neighborhood of which, 

 however, they are resident 

 throughout the year. Our 

 observations on them natu- 

 rally begin at that season 

 of the 3*ear when they re- 

 linquish their habits of ex- 

 treme cunning and vigil- 

 ance for those of confi- 

 dence in man's respect for 

 domestic life, that is in 

 the early part of summer. 

 Though among the hardiest 

 and most active of feath- 

 ered creatures, they are prudent in spring, and do not commit 

 themselves to the risks of incubation until they have received full 

 assurance of fitting weather. In this respect they differ from the 

 feebler but more venturesome Woodcock, whose premature en- 

 deavors, founded upon the first deceptive smile of spring, to 

 raise a family, are often defeated by an unexpected snow-storm. 

 The Quail do not begin until May, when they announce the 

 fact to all their neighbors within half a mile by their loud, 

 frank, and cheery whistle, which is generally translated into 



Fig. 21. QuaU 



