QUAIL. ORDER VI. PASSERES. 209 



especially while the grain is standing. Here they not 

 only find shelter, but food ; and, even after the corn is cut 

 down, they prefer stubble-fields to any other. 



There are several varieties of the partridge ; as the 

 red-legged, the Hudson's Bay, the mountain partridge of 

 Jamaica, the Brazilian, and the white partridge of the 

 Alps. 



THE QUAIL 



This is the smallest bird of the gallinaceous kind, being 

 little more than half the size of the partridge. In most 

 of its habits it resembles the other tribes ; but it is a bird 

 of passage, however ill adapted it may appear for ex- 

 tensive migration. The fact, however, is certain, that it 

 seeks a warmer climate when winter sets in, or at least 

 shifts its quarters from one province to another ; probably 

 as much allured by the promise of food in greater quantity 

 as of a more temperate sky. 



The quail builds its nest on the ground ; and is much less 

 prolific than the partridge, seldom producing more than 

 six or seven young. It is easily caught by a call, which 

 is formed to imitate the voice of the female. 



Quail-fighting was a favourite diversion among the 

 Athenians, but they abstained from eating the flesh. 

 Modern manners have reversed the sentiments of mankind 

 in regard to this bird ; and its flesh is now deemed a peculiar 

 delicacy, while its courage is disregarded. There are 

 different species or varieties. 



ORDER VI. PASSERES. 



ALL the beautiful and vocal tribes of birds which adorn 

 and enliven our fields and groves are comprehended 

 under the sparrow kind Their bills resemble a forceps ; 

 their legs are formed for hopping along and their 



