The Quail 87 



sumed the strangers mate freely with native birds. 

 This I have not seen proved by the only true 

 test, i.e. breeding in confinement; but in at least 

 two instances males from Florida, which were 

 turned loose with northern bred females, appeared 

 to mate and breed within a field or so of the point 

 of liberation. Unfortunately, only the eye could 

 be used for verification, which is none too trust- 

 worthy a method ; but as there is no great reason 

 for doubt, the eye probably was correct. 



THE TEXAN BOB-WHITE 



(C. v. texanus) 



Only a trifle smaller than C. virginianus, this 

 race is distinguished by its lighter color, and, in 

 the majority of males, by a tinge of cinnamon 

 beneath the black of the throat. To the eye, the 

 entire plumage presents a somewhat bleached 

 appearance, which in both sexes amounts to a 

 decided grayness. The female has a fainter cin- 

 namon mark, while the buff of throat and stripe 

 has a faded look, quite unlike the warmer tone 

 of her northern sister. The other trifling varia- 

 tions could hardly be detected by unscientific eyes 

 except by a careful comparison of specimens of 

 the two races side by side. The general habits 

 and calls of this rac are the same as those of 

 C. virginianus ; but, possibly owing to a lack of 

 " education," the bird is tamer, and only in much 



