380 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



taken in large nets into which they are cautiously driven by 

 bunds of hunters. 



Like our domestic birds, with great pains, thev mav be 

 easily reared in confinement. Instances are not wanting 

 where thev have been induced to breed ; and others, again. 

 where they have been reduced to a semi-domesticated con- 

 dition. According to Dr. Brewer, Rev. Dr. Bachman of 

 Charleston, S. C., succeeded in obtaining a brood of young 

 Quails, by hatching under a common Bantum Hen. Several 

 days of confinement with their foster-mother were necessary 

 to induce them to follow her after the fashion of young 

 chickens. At first, they were fed on curds ; but, subsequently, 

 cracked Indian-corn and mullet were eaten. With one wing 

 clipped, they were allowed to wander at large in the garden. 

 They became eventually so exceedingly gentle, that they 

 would follow the Doctor through the house, perch upon the 

 table at which he was seated in writing, and, sometimes, in a 

 playful manner, peck at his hand, or carry off his pen. At 

 dusk they would repair to a coop in the garden, in which 

 they would nestle until morning. 



Although they had no opportunity of hearing the sounds 

 of their own kin, those of the poultry being the only sounds 

 heard, the by no means unmusical note of Bob-ivhite ema- 

 nated from the males on the return of spring. At first the cry 

 was moderately low, but gradually it increased in volume 

 until it was heard through the entire neighborhood. On the 

 approach of spring, the cocks became exceedingly pugna- 

 cious, and waged fierce encounters not only among them- 

 selves, but also with the poultry and pigeons that trespassed 

 upon their territory. 



In the 4t American Naturalist" for July, 1872, Mr. Allen 

 states that these birds were introduced into the Great 

 vSalt Lake Valley, and gave promise of rapid multiplication 

 and thorough naturalization. Mr. Willis of Germantown 

 informs us that a nest-full of eggs was taken bv a friend 

 and placed underneath a common hen, which in due season 



