GALLINACEOUS BIRDS. 223 



This Qaail is likewise met ^vith abundantly in Syria and Judsea, and there seems to be little 

 doubt of its identity with the Quails so frequently mentioned in the Holy Scriptures. "We have," 

 says Tristram, "a clear proof of the identity of the Common Quail with the Hebrew selac, in its 

 Arabic name, salwa, from a root signifying ' to be fat' — very descriptive of the round, plump form 

 and fat flesh of the Quail. The expression ' as it were two cubits high above the face of the earth ' 

 probably refers to the height at which the Quails fly above the ground. There are several 

 expressions in the scriptural account which are borne out by observations of the habits of the Quail. 

 At all times its flight is very low, just skimming the surface of the ground, and especially when 

 fatigued it keeps close, never towering like the Partridge or Sand Grouse. It migrates in vast flocks, 

 and regularly crosses the Arabian desert, flying for the most part at night, and when the birds settle 

 they are so utterly exhausted that they may be captured in any numbers by the hand. Notwith- 

 standing their migratory habits, they instmctively select the shortest sea passages, and avail them- 

 selves of any island as a halting-place. Thus in spring and autumn they are slaughtered in numbers 

 on Malta and many of the Greek islands, very few being seen till the period of migration comes 

 round. They also fly with the wind, never facing it like many other birds." " The Israelites ' spread 

 them out' when they had taken them before they were sufficiently refreshed to escape; exactly as 

 Herodotus tells us that the Egyptians were in the habit of doing with Quails — drying them in 

 the sun." 



Brehm mentions having been a witness to the arrival of a huge flock of Quails upon the coast of 

 North Africa, and tells us that the weary birds fell at once to the ground completely exhausted by their 

 toilsome journey, and remained there for some minutes as though stupefied. On recovering some- 

 what, they did not again take wing, but continued their journey apparently on foot In -\frica they 

 occasionally take up their quarters in stubble-fields and cultivated districts, but principally frequent 

 the vast steppes, and wander about singly from spot to spot. During the summer tliey prefer 

 fruitful plains and the vicinity of com-fields, carefully avoiding mountains or marshy localities. The 

 popularity of these birds is in a great measure due to the pleasant sound of their clear, resounding cry, 

 which during the breeding season enlivens the whole district in which they live. Upon the ground 

 they move quickly but ungracefully, with tail hanging down and neck drawn in, each step being 

 accompanied by a slight nod of the head. Their flight is very rapid, and occasionally changes to a 

 beautiful hovering motion. Even towards its own species the Quail is extremely unsocial and 

 frequently most pugnacious, displaying the latter quality not only towards its rivals, but to its mate, 

 who is often very roughly treated. The females exhibit a somewhat more amiable disposition, and 

 besides being careful of their own offspring, prove excellent foster-mothers to such young birds as 

 have lost their parents. Whilst the sun is Jiigh the Quails remain concealed among the long grass 

 and weeds, and about noon indulge in a sand-bath ; the succeeding hours are also spent in a state of 

 quiescence, but the sun has no sooner set, than they become brisk and fully alive to the necessity of 

 going in search of food or picking a quarrel with some rival. At this time their agreeable call may be 

 said to be almost incessant. Seeds, small portions of plants, but principally insects, constitute their 

 usual diet, the process of digestion being assisted by the swallowing of small stones. They do not 

 require much water, the dew affording them in most instances all the moisture they need ; for tliis 

 reason they are rarely met with at any drinking-place. Although insect nourishment is decide^lly 

 preferred by the Quail, it has been fed for months together simply on grain and wheat. It would 

 appear that this bird is polygamous, and it is even stated on good authority that it will mate with 

 birds of entirely different species. The nest, formed by the hen of small portions of plants and 

 placed in a corn-field, is not commenced till the beginning of the summer months. The e<T£;s, from 

 eight to fourteen in number, are large and pear-shaped, with a glossy, light brown shell, very variously 



