QUAIL SHOOTING. 179 



One woula naturally suppose that after being reared 

 in thickets and hidden places, that when quail have be- 

 come grown and strong they would go to the same 

 places to roost. Not so ; after having reached the age 

 of discretion, as it were, they flock together, and with 

 one flight seek some open field, where, closely bunched 

 together, they pass the night. It seems strange, that 

 after having been bred and broughl; up in the depth of 

 some quie^ retreat, that when weeks had added strength 

 to their bodies and acuteness to their natural instincts, 

 that they should abandon these places, and seek the 

 open and exposed field for their roosting-places, and yet 

 the very openness of their roosting-place is an assurance 

 of their safety, as night prowling animals and birds of 

 prey skulking through the deep woods, or skimming 

 phantom-like tlirough the awful stillness of the silent 

 trees, avoid the open fields. After alighting from their 

 flight they huddle together, with heads pointing out- 

 ward, forming a circle, and presenting to all quarters of 

 approach a serried circle of pointed bills and black 

 sparkling eyes. When disturbed, they fly up with a great 

 whirr and roar, caused by the quick moving of their 

 broad, strong wings, and each shifts temporarily for it- 

 self. Their manner of roosting is different from most 

 other birds, in this respect : tliey do not sleep with the 

 head beneath the wing. In roosting together as they do, 

 it seems to inspire in them a spirit of confidence and 

 fraternal affection, each relying on the protection of the 

 other. With backs to each other they huddle and nestle 

 closely together ; the quarrels and fights of the day are 

 forgotten and they commingle in sweet confusion. This 

 they do in early fall, as well as inthe cold winter 

 months. In winter they crowd closely together, bow 



