410 GALLINACEOUS BIRDS. 



things are of rapid growth. The hen birds lay twice during the 

 year, once in Europe and once in Africa, and each time produce 

 from ten to fourteen eggs. 



The Quail is a very swift runner, and frequently employs this 

 mode of locomotion to escape pursuit. It is only in cases of 

 imminent danger that it has recourse to flight. It flies in a 

 straight line, keeping close to the ground, and shows itself a 

 thorough master in the art of baffling dogs by throwing them off 

 their scent. Hidden in the thick tufts of lucern, it often bids 

 defiance to the novice ; but its wiles are seldom successful before 

 an experienced sportsman. 



This bird is not as large as the Partridge. "When killed at the 

 proper time — that is to say, when it has rested after its fatiguing 

 journey and recovered condition — it is covered with a laj'er of 

 fat which is not surpassed in richness and flavour by any other 

 bird. Its flesh is sweet and delicate, and emits an odour grateful 

 alike to the nose and palate. This bird ranks immediately after 

 the Woodcock and the Snipe in the estimation of epicures. 



The capture of Quails was formerly performed in several waj^s. 

 They were caught in a net or a trap, in which a bait was placed : 

 they were also shot with the help of a pointer. This last method 

 is the only one which is nowadays allowed in France ; and, thanks 

 to this restriction, the bird is now destroyed on a less extensive 

 scale than in times past, and the species may yet be something 

 more than a myth to future generations. 



The Partridge [Perdix) has a sharply recurvate beak, a thick- 

 set body, blunt wings, and a short and drooping tail. The tarsi of 

 the male bird are either provided with, or destitute of, tubercles, 

 according to the species. 



Partridges live constantly on the surface of the soil, and never 

 perch except when they are absoluteh' forced to do so. They 

 have, like the (juail, the pulverulent instinct, and run with 

 remarkable swiftness. Their flight is also verj' rapid, but low, 

 and does not extend to long distances. 



These birds are eminently sociable, and live, during the prin- 

 cipal part of the year, iu flocks or coveys, composed of the parents 

 and the young ones of the last brood. Thej' are not migratory, 

 and seem to attach themselves to certain localities, confining 



