THE ANGLER AND HUNTSMAN 169 



which the hen often answers with a single clear whistle. 

 Then perhaps follows a series of queer responsive caterwau- 

 lings, more unbirdlike than those of the yellow-breasted 

 chat, suggesting the call of a cat to its kittens, or the scold- 

 ing of a caged gray squirrel, or, again, the alarm notes of a 

 mother grouse blended with the strident call like that of a 

 guinea hc^n. Sometimes, as a finale, comes loud rasping 

 noises, not unlike the effort of a poor broken-voiced whip- 

 poorwill. Their favorite calling stations seem to be rail 

 fences at a height of from five to ten feet, and the limbs of 

 trees along fence rows. They have been known to whistle 

 from trees, thirty-five feet from the ground. After the 

 breeding season the quail quits using this characteristic 

 call. At other times the hen will answer thusly: "Whoil- 

 kr<v' but this note is usually only used when a bevy has 

 been scattered, and is sounded, generally, in the late after- 

 noon as a get-together-for-the-night signal. 



We cannot refrain, before closing this chapter describ- 

 ing the quail family and quail shooting, to implore better 

 care of our fast-declining quail supply, and particularly the 

 Bob White supply. In many places they are suffering ruth- 

 less extermination by law-breakers, and also by reason of 

 severe winter weather. 



The least the sportsmen of America should do is to hale 

 these " poachers" before a Court, and as to the weather, why 

 not put out a little grain for the starving birds to eat after 

 heavy sleets and snows ? It would be not only humane, but 

 for the good of the sport. 



OTHER GAME BIRDS: 



Woodcock Shooting: 



This form of sport has hitherto been a favorite with a 

 great many gunners, for be it known among all men that 

 "Philohela minor" is a game target that, in their fast and 

 erratic flight, requires a quick eye and a clear head. 



