286 THE GREAT BUSTARD. 



the western coasts of the kingdom of Naples, that a bunched thou- 

 sand have, in one day, been caught within the space of three or four 

 miles. Most of these are taken to Rome, where they are in great 

 request, and are sold at high prices. Clouds of Quails also alight, in 

 spring, along the coasts of Provence : especially in the lands belonging 

 *o the bishop of Frejus, which border on the sea. Ilere they are 

 sometimes found so exhausted, that for a few of the first days they 

 nay be caught with the hand. In some parts of the south of Russia 

 *hey abound so greatly, that at the time of their migration they are 

 caught by thousands, and sent in casks to Moscow and Petersburg. 



With respect of these birds having an instinctive knowledge of the 

 precise time for emigration, we have a singular fact in some young 

 Quails, which, having been bred in cages from the earliest period of 

 their lives, had never enjoyed, and therefore could not feel, the loss 

 of liberty. For four successive years they were observed to be rest- 

 less, and to flutter with unusual agitations, regularly in September 

 and April ; and this uneasiness lasted thirty days each time. It began 

 constantly an hour before sun-set. The birds passed the whole night 

 in these fruitless struggles ; and always on the following day appeared 

 dejected and stupid. 



Quails are birds of undaunted courage ; and their quarrels often 

 terminate in mutual destruction. This irascible disposition induced 

 the ancient Greeks and Romans to fight them with each o her, as the 

 moderns do game-cocks. And such favorites were the con ^erors, that 

 in one instance Augustus punished a prefect of Egypt with death for 

 having brought to his table one of these birds which had acquired 

 celebrity for its victories. The fighting of Quails is even now a 

 fashionable diversion in China, and in some parts of Italy. 



OF THE BUSTARDS IN GENERAL. 



THE Bustards have a somewhat con- 

 vex bill, with open and oblong nostrils. 

 Their legs are long, and naked above 

 the knees. The feet have only three 

 toes, all placed forward. 



There are about twelve different spe- 

 cies of Bustards, nearly all of which 

 are inhabitants of the Old Continent. 



THE GKEAT BUSTARD. 



This is one ot the largest land-fowl, the male sometimes weighing 

 twenty-five pounds and upwards. The length is nearly four feet, and 

 the breadtr nine. The head and neck are ash-colored. The back is 



