^DBWHITE. 9 



cases appreciable, are far less valuable than those of bobwhite, mainly 

 because (he birds are much less insectivorous. Moreover, the Cali- 

 fornia valley quail sometimes damages the grape crop. 



The value of a single game bird is of course small, and it is from 

 this narrow point of view that its relation to the community is 

 usually considered. When, however, the value of any important 

 species is worked out the result is surprising. It has been conclu- 

 sively demonstrated that in A^'irginia and North Carolina alone the 

 common quail annually destroys many tons of noxious insects and 

 weed seeds. The great value of this service must be apparent to all 

 who appreciate the never-ending warfare between the farmer and his 

 hj^dra-headed enemies, the insects and weeds. The food value also 

 of the quail is great, and the health and pleasure derived from their 

 pursuit has resulted in the investment of millions of dollars. AVlien 

 it is generally understood that by judicious effort the numbers of 

 these useful birds may be greatly increased, with a proportionate 

 benefit to all concerned, it is hoped that efforts to this end will not be 

 long delayed. 



THE BOBWHITE. 



(Colinus virginiatius.)" 



The bobwhite is one of the most widely distributed and popular 

 game birds of the United States, but in many places it is suffering 

 ruthless extermination. Sportsmen, farmers, legislators, and orni- 

 thologists, as well as the friends of birds in general, should interest 

 themselves in the problem of its preservation. In the Northern, 

 Western, and iliddle States it is commonly known as ' quail,' in 

 the Southern States as ' partridge.' This tends to confusion, since in 

 New England and northern New York the name ' partridge ' is 

 commonly applied to the ruffed grouse. Both names were brought to 

 America by English colonists from their Old World homes, where 

 they are applied to species not originally inhabiting this continent. 

 The name ' bobwhite ' is from the familiar call note of the bird. 



In some of its characteristics bobwhite differs strikingly from other 

 members of the family. For example, the crest — a well-developed 

 adornment of several closely related American quails — in. bobwhite 

 is invisible except when the bird is excited. 



The common bobwhite ranges more or less generally over the east- 

 ern half of the United States and southern Ontario, except in the 

 colder, mountainous parts, from southern Maine to northern Florida, 

 and west to South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, and Texas. In addi- 



aThe name is used here in its broad sense to cover the typical bird of the 

 Eastern States, Colinus virginianus, and the two subspecies, the Florida bob- 

 white (C. V. floridanus) and the Texas bobwhite (C. v. texanus). 



