282 Reminiscences of 



where myriads of birds congregate from the inclem- 

 ent regions north — in fact, one where citrus products 

 are grown in perfection, and where deciduous fruits 

 are ripened eariier than elsewhere in the United States, 

 and early peaches and cherries are forwarded to 

 Eastern markets from about here in May. 



Thousands of robins, larks, doves, quail, black- 

 birds, linnets, sparrows, and an endless variety of small 

 birds abound, large numbers of which remain through 

 the year. 



The quail, all of the large mountain variety with 

 head plumes, do not lie very well to the dog, and fly 

 very swiftly, but fall readily enough to the quick 

 shot. 



Duck and geese are also plentiful, and the latter 

 have to be more or less herded ofiE the grain fields 

 in winter, where they alight often in large numbers, 

 and if not disturbed will destroy many acres of grow- 

 ing grain by feeding on and pulling out the young 

 sprouts. 



I often take my greyhounds, coupled without slips, 

 to accompany me when driving or riding, which they 

 enjoy very much, and give pleasure in the contem- 

 plation. They will, however, diverge occasionally for 

 a speeding hare, which they cannot overtake when 

 coupled, and will soon return from, and pay no atten- 

 tion to a flock of sheep while passing through or by them 

 while observed ; but let them once get out of sight with 

 an intervening hill, or far in the rear, near a flock of 

 sheep, and they will go for them as wild wolves 

 might, and if not interfered with will mutilate dozens 

 of them in short time. And think of Jack, my daughter's 

 gentle fox terrier, who fell back with the greyhounds 



