328 GALLING. TETRAONID^:. 



FAM. TETRAONID^J. (The Grouse.) 



QUAIL.* 

 Ortyx Virginiana. 



Tetrao Virginianus, LINN. And. pi. 76. 



Ortyx Virginiana, STEPH. 



THIS beautiful game-bird, a native of North 

 America, was introduced into Jamaica about a hun- 

 dred years ago, where it was very soon naturalized, 

 and became abundant. It is found in almost all 

 situations, where there is cover ; and from its pecu- 

 liar manners, its loud call, and the sapidity of its 

 flesh, is familiar to all. 



It is scarcely seen but in coveys of a dozen or 

 more, which run among the grass, and, if alarmed, 

 lie so close, as to be unseen till a person is at the spot ; 

 when suddenly they rise from beneath his feet, and 

 fly on rapid wing, and with loud whirr, to a short 

 distance ; then descending, run so swiftly as to defy 

 pursuit. If, however, on springing a covey of 

 Quail, we remain perfectly still, and keep a watchful 

 eye on the spot whence they arose, we may chance 

 to see one or two still squatting among the grass ; 

 for often some remain after their companions have 

 departed. 



Various kinds of pulse, and graminaceous seeds 



* Length 9^ inches, expanse 14, flexure 4, tail 2-j^, rictus ^, tarsus 

 1 1, middle toe 1-&. 



