PEAFOWL, GUINEA-FOWL AND QUAIL 107 



tidbit, and is the most satisfactory of the rarer guinea- 

 fowl. 



Quail 



The American quail are quite distinct from those of the 

 Old World, and from their own family (Odontophorid^). 

 Most of the species are easily tamed and quite suitable for 

 pets. As game birds they are much persecuted, and such 

 as are accessible to gunners are yearly becoming less abun- 

 dant. Their culture is now receiving the attention of game 

 propagators, and as the work is still in the experimental 

 stage the experience of the casual amateur may prove to 

 be of the greatest value. 



Before attempting to keep quail of any species, one should 

 become thoroughly familiar with the laws controlling such 

 matters in the state in which one lives. If captive quail 

 are not permitted, it is generally possible to secure special 

 permission, provided the work to be undertaken is of a seri- 

 ous nature. 



More than sixty species and subspecies are known, and the 

 care of all is similar, the only difference being in hardiness. 

 The various forms of the Bobwhite and the California, 

 Mountain and Gambel Quails are hardier than those which 

 range farther south, these latter being unable to endure our 

 winters without artificial heat. 



All feed chiefly on grain, such as wheat, buckwheat, bar- 

 ley, kaffir corn, millet and canary seed. Cracked corn is no 

 more desirable for these birds than for others. This grain 

 food must be supplemented with a mash of some sort. 

 The soft food described for small birds is excellent, and 

 many of the commercial pheasant meals are quite satis- 

 factory. Insects should be given when obtainable, and 

 green food and grit should be supplied as described for 

 pheasants. 



