202 FEATHERED GAME 
eastern gunner. But it is only in the sparsely 
settled portions of New England—in the com- 
paratively few stretches of open country,— 
large hayfields or pastures—that the Upland 
dwells and raises his family. From the nature 
of our section it is only to be expected that 
fewer of this species are found here than in the 
West, where every condition is favorable and 
all things are as though especially planned for 
their comfort and happiness. 
Here in New England they begin to nest dur- 
ing the latter part of May. At this season the 
male is very attentive to his mate, seldom leav- 
ing her for any length of time, and even then, 
model husband that he is, he does not stray far 
from home. The nest is a flimsy affair of dry 
grass lining a shallow hollow in the ground. 
The eggs, generally four in number, are clay- 
colored and speckled over with brownish spots. 
All through the warm days of spring and 
early summer the Upland enjoys perfect peace 
and security. The meadow grass and daisies 
grow tall and stout around the nest, shading 
and sheltering the little home so snugly hidden 
away from all disturbers. When the little ones 
have struck out for themselves the fat and lazy 
