The Landrail. 



149 



numbers are imported into England from Italy, Egypt, and 

 the shores of the Mediterranean, from a quarter to half a 

 million coming annually to Leadenhall Market alone. They 

 can be bought alive and in good condition, at the wholesale 

 price of about 55. per dozen, and are, therefore, sufficiently 

 cheap. They are suited to many parts and to many people 

 to whom a large supply of partridges would be impossible. 

 They require no trouble nor care beyond the killing down of 

 vermin and a little feeding in severe weather, during winter, 

 and afford a very fair modicum of sport of a kind which, 

 in our humble opinion, is by no means to be despised. We 

 therefore cordially invite those whose means are limited, or 

 who are interested in these matters, to take up the question 

 of establishing the quail as a modest, but not unworthy, 

 addition to our small list of game birds. 



The Landrail. This is another migratory bird, with a 

 seeming disposition to remain and winter here if possible. 

 They arrive about the first week in May, but sometimes 

 earlier, the southern counties coming in later, curiously 

 enough, than the northern ones, for their share. As a game 

 bird it is of poor value, being very adverse to flight, always 

 seeking protection, if possible, by dodging about amongst 

 the corn and long meadow grass it loves chiefly to haunt. 

 It is a shy, fearsome bird, and practically will not become 

 domesticated. As far as preserving goes, it lies outside the 

 pale, but affords some little sport now and then when one 

 is beating for partridges, and is a fairish bird in respect of 

 gastronomic qualities. It is not to be encouraged on well- 

 stocked partridge land, being, by reason of its habits, very 

 injurious to the working of setters and pointers. 



