64 FEATHERED GAME 



same covey are found birds differing widely in 

 degree of coloring. 



''Bob White" starts up in the morning, 

 shakes out his feathers, and leaving the little 

 circle which with his mates he has formed for 

 the night — ^heads outward, everyone, so that 

 each member shall have plenty of space for ac- 

 tion if forced to fly — he trips away across the 

 dewy fields for his favorite feeding grounds. 

 Here he arrives about the time the sun has 

 warmed the air and the world has fairly thrown 

 off its slumber. Across the sunny meadows he 

 takes his way, pausing to pick a berry here, 

 and gathering in now a cricket, now a grass- 

 hopper, and putting away a good breakfast 

 with a hearty relish. The ripening wheat, the 

 buckwheat fields, or the corn-patch, if it is in 

 a quiet place, is likely to receive a visit from 

 him. In fact, almost any spot, whether brush 

 or open, is apt to hold him if there is a dainty 

 there which he appreciates. 



The quail man's heart is glad: there is a lull 

 in the money-getting and he finds again a 

 chance to tread the fields and brushy corners 

 so dear from the memories of glorious days of 

 sport. His hour has come at last. Over the 



