904. AMERICAN GAME BIRD SHOOTING 
of incubation.’ And singularly enough, the bird is al- 
most equally hemmed in by desert to the eastward as 
well; for according to the same writer’s accounts, ‘A 
sandy desert between the Pecos and Devil’s River is 
the barrier beyond which the species under considera- 
tion has not extended its range.’ 
“Such a glimpse of the haunts of the plumed quail 
makes one wonder how it ever became a game bird at 
all; how sportsmen could be able to make game of it 
without being themselves rather made game of. But 
great as are the natural disadvantages of the surround- 
ings, the bird’s attractions are still greater, and partly 
so from this very fact; but Arizona is a large place, and 
one need not always endure desert in his quail-shoot- 
ing. There is a much brighter side to the picture. We 
have just seen only the darkest possible. Perhaps no 
territory rivals Arizona in variety of climate, physical 
geography and natural productions. Between rugged 
mountains that lift snow-capped peaks among the 
clouds, lie hidden pleasant green valleys whose fresh 
verdure contrasts with surrounding desolation. Vast 
primeval forests stretch for leagues, or are only inter- 
rupted by oak and cedar openings. Bright fringes of 
cottonwoods and willows mark the devious courses of 
streams, where walnut and cherry are scattered, and 
grape vines cling to them and roses bloom beneath leafy 
boughs. Here is plenty, at least, if not peace. Noth- 
ing mars the pleasures of the chase but the chances of 
being chased. Were it not for Indians, we should have 
here the acme of quail-shooting. 
