THE CALIFORNIAN ORTIX. 213 



heavy bag I obtained late in the season, even when the 

 roots of the grass were submerged in ice. My dogs, 

 which I invariably broke upon them, seldom made 

 mistakes, and never do I remember a covey departing 

 (except the pointer or setter had run into them coming 

 down wind) without getting at least a barrel into them. 

 AVith other varieties of game they appear to agree well, 

 for I have on several occasions killed the ortix with 

 one barrel, and the ruffed grouse with the other over 

 the same point. 



They are universally scattered over the United 

 States, east of the Kocky Mountains, where cultivation 

 exists, although possibly most abundant in Maryland 

 and Virginia. 



As a table delicacy I know no greater ; for weeks I 

 have constantly had them at both breakfast and dinner, 

 still without becoming satiated, and there are very few 

 varieties of game could stand a more severe test. 

 Their note or call is remarkably melodious, and in the 

 spring or pairing time, when they are numerous, you 

 can hear their sweet voice all day long, and in every 

 direction. I have always regretted that no one intro- 

 duced this little stranger, in sufficient quantities to 

 guarantee the experiment a fair trial. 



CALIFORNIAN ORTIX. This bird is a little smaller 

 than the Virginian. It is strictly confined to the Pacific 

 slopes, and wherever cultivation exists the sportsman 

 may be satisfied that his exertions in their pursuit will 

 be rewarded. No. 8 will be found the most suitable 

 sized shot for killing this" game. 



This bird is particularly one of those that the 

 Americans have reason to be proud of, for not only 

 is it possessed of brilliant plumage, but is gifted 



