94 AMERICAN GAME BIRD SHOOTING 



of incubation/ And singularly enough, the bird is al- 

 most equally hemmed in by desert to the eastward as 

 well; for according to the same writer's accounts, 'A 

 sandy desert between the Pecos and Devil's River is 

 the barrier beyond which the species under considera- 

 tion has not extended its range.' 



"Such a glimpse of the haunts of the plumed quail 

 makes one wonder how it ever became a game bird at 

 all; how sportsmen could be able to make game of it 

 without being themselves rather made game of. But 

 great as are the natural disadvantages of the surround- 

 ings, the bird's attractions are still greater, and partly 

 so from this very fact ; but Arizona is a large place, and 

 one need not always endure desert in his quail-shoot- 

 ing. There is a much brighter side to the picture. We 

 have just seen only the darkest possible. Perhaps no 

 territory rivals Arizona in variety of climate, physical 

 geography and natural productions. Between rugged 

 mountains that lift snow-capped peaks among the 

 clouds, lie hidden pleasant green valleys whose fresh 

 verdure contrasts with surrounding desolation. Vast 

 primeval forests stretch for leagues, or are only inter- 

 rupted by oak and cedar openings. Bright fringes of 

 cottonwoods and willows mark the devious courses of 

 streams, where walnut and cherry are scattered, and 

 grape vines cling to them and roses bloom beneath leafy 

 boughs. Here is plenty, at least, if not peace. Noth- 

 ing mars the pleasures of the chase but the chances of 

 being chased. Were it not for Indians, we should have 

 here the acme of quail-shooting. 



