354 With Rod and Gun in New England 



cinnamon fringe below it, while from the top of the bluish head rise a 

 grayish-brown topknot and two long, slender, jet black plumes. 



" Though of such superb appearance, this bird is not much esteemed 

 for sport. Its habitat is far removed from the haunts of men, away up the 

 slopes of the gigantic ranges of the Pacific coast. Perhaps for that very 

 reason it is so unsuspecting and trustful that its killing is mere slaughter. 

 At least, after a few shots the remainder of the bevy become much more 

 alert, and then require straight powder to bag. 



" In other respects they are admirable, being hardy, prolific equally 

 with the valley bird, and not given to packing in the fall. Therefore, it is 

 perhaps wise of the Association to try the effect of importing a few 

 hundred. 



" The last bird on the list is the Gambel's partridge, or Arizona quail. 



" Three hundred of these little beauties are to be let loose near Cape 

 Cod. 



" Arizona is the chosen home of this quail, which inhabits every portion 

 of the land from high, snow-covered mountain to burning desert, where the 

 mid-day temperature is 140° in the shade. Therefore, it is a hardy bird. 

 It is also a bird that will eat and thrive upon many varieties of food, and 

 doubtless these two admirable characteristics have induced the Association 

 to give it a trial. Like all the other quails, the hen rears a big brood, 

 and they early learn to take excellent care of themselves. 



" Care will be taken that these various valuable birds are liberated only 

 on the lands of those who will look after them and see that they do not 

 lack food. The plan usually adopted is to place the coops in some favor- 

 able locality, and, after the birds are turned out to leave these dwellings, 

 to which they have become accustomed, on the spot, as they frequently 

 return to roost in their old quarters for a week or two after regaining 

 freedom. 



" Food is a most important item. Possibly planting small patches of 

 buckwheat, rye, etc., and leaving them unreaped, would do more toward 

 increasing our stock of game birds than anything else. 



" There is no finer sport than quail-shooting, and perhaps in years to 

 come, if the present importations do not result as happily as gunners hope, 

 it may be found preferable to import the ordinary quail from West Virginia, 

 and provide it with food by sowing small patches of grain here and there 

 in the neighborhood of swamps and thickets. 



" But all should agree that if the Massachusetts Fish and Game Pro- 

 tective Association do not obtain success, they have, at least, deserved it." 



While the many importations of the other birds by the Association have 

 not always been followed by satisfactory results, those of the Virginia par- 

 tridge, or quail, have undoubtedly proved of very great value. Localities in 



