THE ''QUAIL" 61 



more may be foimd in a nest, in which case they 

 are arranged in tiers with the small ends inward 

 and downward. Usually the larger settings 

 are the result of "co-operative housekeeping" 

 when two females use the same nest. Good 

 husband that he is, the male bird does his 

 share of the duties of incubation as well as 

 keeping watch while the female sits. He also 

 aids in the care of the young when they have 

 made their appearance, covering them with 

 wings and body in the same fashion as does 

 the female, and in case of danger to the brood 

 boldly confronts the enemy while the mother 

 bird conducts the retreat. If the female is 

 alone at such times she acts much as does the 

 ruffed grouse in a like crisis, feigning to be 

 crippled and keeping just out of the reach of 

 her pursuer she leads him a long chase, sud- 

 denly recovering and dashing away if the pur- 

 suit is too close. The brood meantime scatters 

 in a dozen different directions, gathering again 

 when the old bird sounds the ''assembly." 

 After the young birds have gained more 

 strength all this is easily avoided by their tak- 

 ing to wing — each one heading for the nearest 

 growth and seeking concealment in the brush. 



