166 TH^ ANGLER AND HUNTSMAN 



cient food and water. Its presence contributes a touch of 

 color and animation to the dreary monotony of many a lone- 

 ly desert ranch. 



The California valley quail belongs entirely to the Pa- 

 cific Coast, and this is said to be the most beautiful of the 

 smaller gallinacous birds of the entire world. In appear- 

 ance it resembles the Gambel quail slightly, especially in its 

 recurving black crest, and general appearance, but exceeds 

 that bird in the richness of its colors and markings. 



Then there's the California mountain quail, which is the 

 largest and one of the handsomest of this group, inhabiting 

 the wooded mountains of the Pacific Coast. In appearance 

 it bears a superficial resemblance to the red-legged part- 

 ridge of Europe, and like the Mearns quail, its haunts are 

 usually more remote from cultivated lands than are those of 

 the other species. 



The health and pleasure derived from the pursuit of 

 quail has resulted in the investment of millions of dollars, 

 both in hunting equipment and in the establishment of quail 

 preserves in different parts of the country. 



And so, it is with real pleasure that we write of the quail 

 family and quail shooting, for no other class of hunting out- 

 ranks this sport. 



When a covey of quail is flushed, they rise from the 

 earth with an explosion so sudden and startling as to shock 

 one unaccustomed to hunting them and even the old- 

 timers experience some of the sudden thrill. 



Let us go afield! The crisp November air and the 

 morning sun combines in exhilarating effeci upon the soul 

 of the outer. The dogs are straining eagerly at leash for the 

 sport ahead. They know quite well what is in store for 

 them a day's hunt and thus they impatiently tug and 

 pull at their leads to get there. 



At length, we reach the hunting grounds, which for 

 miles in every direction consists of stubble-field and uncut 

 clover, favorite Bob White haunts. 



