102 
288. Jacana gymnostoma (Wagl.). [568.] Mexican Jacana. 
A southern species, coming north to the valley of the Rio Grande, in 
Texas (Merrill). 
289. Colinus virginianus (Linv.), [480.] Bob-white; Quail. 
Resident over all of the Mississippi Valley, except in the extreme west 
and northwest. In Minnesota it has followed up the settlements, and 
in the eastern part of the State has reached the line of the Northern 
. Pacific Railroad, about latitude 46°. At latitude 47° I neither saw it 
nor heard of it. In southeastern Dakota it is abundant and bas ad- 
vanced to about latitude 44° 30’. Northwestern Minnesota and most of 
Dakota are yet to be occupied by this species. 
The question is often asked whether the habit Quail have of “lying 
to a dog” is natural or acquired. ‘To get a satisfactory answer one has 
only to hunt in different parts of Indian Territory. In the region west 
of Fort Sill the Quail never think of stopping when they see a dog, 
but run as fast as possible, and upon his near approach they flush im- 
mediately, just as we may suppose they do on the approach of a coyote. 
In the eastern part of the Territory, near the railroad, the Quail lie quite 
well to a dog, and as they are exceedingly abundant, excellent sport 
may be had from November to March. 
289b. Colinus virginianus texanus (Lawr.). [480b.] Texas Bob-white; Texas 
Quail. 
This is the form which inhabits Texas, where all the stations reported 
it as resident and common. Its range extends northward to western 
Kansas. 
Mr. Atwater writes from San Antonio, Tex.: “These Quails often 
come close to the ranch and lay eggs in hens’ nests—I suppose on ac- 
count of the protection thus afforded against snakes. I have hardly 
ever found nests of any kind of bird on the ground. Lark Finches 
always build in trees in this locality. These facts I explain on the 
snake theory.” Mr. Lloyd found nests at San Angelo, Tex., May 12 
and 14, 1882. These Quails raise two broods a year; nests having been 
found in 1883 as late as August 18. Clutches of 12, 13, 14, 15, 14, and 
12 eggs have been taken. 
293. Callipepla squamata (Vig.). [484.] Scaled Partridge; Blue Quail. 
Like the last, the Blue Quail is resident in western Texas. It was 
reported as rare at Hagle Pass, and common at San Angelo and Mason. 
Mr. Henry says it is common for 75 miles north and west of Mason, Tex. 
Mr. Lloyd gives the following information concerning its range: “The 
habitat of this bird runs east [of San Angelo] about 30 miles. I shot 
both male and female last May near the mouth of the [Concho] river, 
and on inquiry found they were the first ever seen beyond the above 
limit. The northeastern boundary of their range I believe is Runnels 
and Taylor counties, near Abilene, on the Texas and Pacific Railroad.” 
