THE QUAIL. 



Extreme indolence Time of migration. 



are much less cunning than the partridge; and 

 more easily ensnared, especially when young. 



The female lays about ten eggs, marked with 

 ragged, rust-coloured spots, in the incubation of 

 which she is occupied three weeks. The eggs 

 are whitish. The birds have been supposed, but 

 without foundation, to breed twice in the year. 



Quails usually sleep during the day, concealed 

 in the tallest grass; lying on their sides, with 

 their legs extended, in the same spot, even for 

 hours together. They are so very indolent, that 

 a dog must absolutely run upon them before they 

 are flushed ; and when they are forced upon 

 wing, they seldom fly far. They are easily 

 drawn within reach of a net, by a call imitating 

 their cry, which is not unlike the words whit, 

 whit, whit : this is done with an instrument called 

 a quail-pipe. 



They are found in most parts of Great Britain, 

 but no where in any great quantity, and are 

 esteemed excellent food. The time of their mi- 

 gration from this country is August or Septem- 

 ber. They are supposed to winter in Africa; 

 and they return early in the spring. If to the 

 circumstance of their generally sleeping in the 

 day, is added that of their being seldom known 

 to make their first annual appearance in the day- 

 time, it may be inferred that they perform their 

 journey by night, and that they direct their 

 course to those countries where the harvest is 



