THE CALIFORNIAN OltTYX. 221 



As a table delicacy I know no greater; for weeks I have 

 constantly had them at both breakfast and dinner, still with- 

 out becoming satiated, and there are very few varieties of 

 game could stand a more severe test. Their note or call is 

 remarkably melodious, and in the spring or pairing time, 

 when they are numerous, you can hear their sweet voice all 

 day long, and in every direction. I have always regretted 

 that no one introduced this little stranger, in sufficient quan- 

 tities to guarantee the experiment a fair trial. 



CALIFOKNIAN OETYX. 



This bird is a little smaller than the Virginian. It is 

 strictly confined to the Pacific slopes, and wherever culti- 

 vation exists the sportsman may be satisfied that his ex- 

 ertions in their pursuit will be rewarded. No. 8 will be 

 found the most suitable sized shot for killing this game. 



This bird is particularly one of those that the Americans 

 have reason to be proud of, for not only is it possessed of 

 brilliant plumage, but is gifted with a plume remarkable 

 alike for its beauty and grace. 'Bhis head-dress is a row 

 of eight or ten feathers, commencing on the top of the 

 head and gradually diminishing in size as they grow down 

 the neck. In cases of excitement, or at the breeding sea- 

 son, the cocks raise this, the upper portion of the plumes 

 pointing forward over the forehead after the manner of the 

 crest of a cockatoo. On the hill-sides that inclose the Val- 

 ley of Sacramento at one time they were very abundant; 

 and although the.ir numbers have been greatly diminished 

 of late years, still they are sufficiently numerous in that lo- 

 cality to afford abundant amusement to the sportsman. 



Unlike the Virginian ortyx, they do not lay well to dogs, 

 not that they are wild, but from a preference they have for 

 running instead of taking wing. This peculiarity will oft- 

 en be found a great source of annoyance when the cover is 



