AMERICAN PARTRIDGES. 



413 



four in the same nest, in which case two or three females prob- 

 ably contribute to the laying. 



c. The Quail are abundant in the three southern States of 

 New England, except in the 

 colder and more hilly por- 

 tions. 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 

 naturally begin at that sea- 

 son of the year when they 

 relinquish their habits of ex- 

 treme cunning and vigilance 

 for those of confidence in 

 man's respect for domestic 

 life, that is, in the early part 

 of summer. Though among 

 the hardiest and most active 

 of feathered 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 endeavors 

 to raise a family are often defeated by an unexpected snow- 

 storm. The Quail do not begin until May, when they an- 

 nounce the fact to all their neighbors within half a mile by 

 their loud, frank, and cheery whistle, which is generally trans- 

 lated into our uncouth language as "Bob White." The male 

 is not now constrained by fear, and, instead of any false pride, 

 he has a proper sense of his own comely appearance. He 

 knows that he is attending adequately to his department in the 

 great business of nature, and is entirely willing that any one 

 should see him. He has no fear of man, but he keeps an eye 

 to the Hawks, cats, and those other predatory enemies who 

 respect neither time, place, nor season. He is willing to take 

 any amount of the family responsibility ; Nature cannot ask too 



Fig. 21. Quail. 



