CHAPTER XV. 



BIRDS WHICH ARE NOT "GAME." 



Although mention has been made of the quail and 

 the bustard, among the game birds of the British 

 islands, neither of them, in fact, belong to that class. 

 Still the quail, when it is found, is so constantly met 

 Avith among partridges, that it seemed most conve- 

 nient to associate its history with theirs ; and as the 

 bustard is now rarely seen at all, it appeared immate- 

 rial where its reminiscences might be given. In 

 strict sporting classification, indeed, several others, 

 set down in the list of game birds, do not belong to 

 that tribe; but as they were necessary to preserve 

 the seasonable routine of shooting, we thought it best 

 to preserve the chronology of our sport, rather than 

 the teclmical order of the quariy. Acting still further 

 upon that principle, we purpose now treating of those 

 land and fen birds, not bemg game, that are sought 

 after by sportsmen; and concluding with wild- fowl 

 shooting, as well on the coasts as on inland waters, 

 — the latter, as followed on the Highland lochs, 

 q2 



