breeding of quail only will be attempted in a comparatively 

 few places in order to try and help out the wild breeding birds 

 which for any reason do not seem to thrive. 



The quail is fond of farming regions, especially where wheat 

 and the other small grains are cultivated. It thrives in the 

 South on cow-peas and many other foods which are plentiful. 

 It is quite as important to see that the foods the birds require 

 at different seasons of the year are plentiful, and that they 

 have proper covers and protection, as it is to see that the enemies 

 are controlled. Good shooting depends on a proper attention 

 being given to all of these matters. 



Briars, both berry and flower briars, the blackberry, the 

 wild rose and many others, make safe and attractive covers 

 and they also furnish much food. The young quails live 

 largely on insects found in the fields and woods. Later they 

 eat many berries and the seeds of plants, including weeds. 

 In the Fall they glean the stubbles for the grain lost at the 

 harvest and in Winter they often live on sumac, wild rose hips 

 and other plants which are seen above the snow. At this 

 season many birds will perish unless food be supplied. A 

 little com, served with grit, at various established feeding 

 places will save hundreds of birds during a severe Winter. Mr. 

 H. J. Montanus, of the Middle Island Club, near New York, 

 informed me last Winter that their quail were feeding regularly 

 at many established feeding places, at some of which, several 

 covies came to dine together. 



