Order GALLIN #. 
Family TETRAONID ®. 
COLINUS VIRGINIANUS (L.). (289.) 
BOB-WHITE. 
This species whose notes from the corn field or the fence 
down by the woods, are a part of the legacies of childhood 
memories, is following up the progress of agriculture steadily, 
but is nowhere yet abundant. After a series of mild winters 
it has several times become greatly increased in numbers, to be 
again decimated by an exceptionally vigorous one. 
However, the extension of agriculture throughout the State 
generally, has increased the measure of their protection so 
much, by affording a more reliable supply of food, and com- 
fortable covert, that they give promise of a permanent aug- 
mentation of their numbers. 
For quite a number of years now, the notes of Bob—white 
have grown familiar in the region where I reside, and the sight 
of his form along the roadways through the less frequented 
brushlands, as wellas the denser woodlands, is by no means an 
uncommon event during the summer and autumn. Their dis- 
tribution is yet restricted to the more favorable localities, es- 
pecially in the advanced sections of occupation, But each year is 
contributing to make the special distribution less defined in 
proportion to the increase of the agricultural appropriation of 
the lands, as well as the prohibition of brushland fires. The 
earliest record that I have of its nesting in the section where I 
reside, is May 5th, and I think that not exceptionally. early. 
My correspondents in the lower counties give it a week earlier 
and the greater abundance of the species there gives them 
ample opportunities to know in this matter. Mr. J. C. Baillie 
who has given their whole breeding habits great attention for 
many years, has contributed more than any other tomy own 
