THE QUAIL. 43 



not multiply in great numbers, it is not easy to see 

 why the whole race would not be exterminated. 



Quails build their nests about walls, or fences, or in 

 the open fields, under a bush, or thick tuft of grass ; 

 and in its construction they employ more industry 

 than most birds of this kind. The materials are dry 

 grass, and the nest is covered over on the top, to se- 

 cure it from the rain. In front there is a door way, or 

 entrance for the bird. 



Quails lay from twelve to twenty- four eggs; and as 

 soon as the young crawl out of their shells, they are 

 ready to follow their mother in search of flies, and 

 small insects for food. 



Should a person surprise this beautiful little family, 

 he could not but be interested to observe the art which 

 both mother and young employ to escape from harm. 

 The old bird, like the partridge, makes use of false pre- 

 tences, to gain the attention of the intruder, but it is 

 done in a stiil more artful manner. She pretends by 

 her actions, that she is not only sorely wounded, and 

 unable to get out of the way, but that her case is des- 

 perate ; for she imitates the dying state so well, that 

 one can hardly help thinking the poor bird is ac- 

 tually at the point of death. While the person is ad- 

 miring such a specimen of instinctive art in the old 

 bird, or trying to catch her, the young dive into the 

 grass, and lie so close, that it is rare one of them can 

 be found ; while the mother, the moment she thinks 

 them safe, no longer pretends distress, but takes wijig 

 and is out of sight. As soon as all danger is over she 

 .goes back, and utters her call, when in a few minutes 

 she is again surrounded by her family all alive and 



