428 



FOREST AND STREAM. 



sufficiently grateful. The bird was do doubt bred in Vermont 

 or Massachusetts, and was on its way to the South when found 

 by-G. H. 0. Our correspondent's note, accompanying the 

 specimen, is aB follows : 



Centre Brook, Conn., Deo. 14, 1878. 

 Editob Forest and Stbeam : 



I send you by mall a bird I Eliot this day, Deo. 14, 1879, lor Identifica- 

 tion. This bird my dog pointed in a stubble field, and aa it sprung it 

 uttered a peep, like our common quail, and I supposed It to be such till 

 my dog retrieved it. You will see It lias the markings of our own 

 yuail. Is it one of the migratory quail ? Q. II, C. 



The specimen was a young male, and the black markings 

 about the throat are just beginning to show. The capture of 

 this bird is especially interesting, not only because it is the 

 first of the species, so far as we know, which has been killed 

 in Connecticut, but also on account of the late date at which 

 it was taken. We have been told, by those who have 

 specially interested themselves in the introduction of this fine 

 bird to our country, that its migration commenced early in 

 September, a state of things which would deprive the sports- 

 men of the Northern States— in most of which the "close season 

 does not end until October 1— of the pleasure to be derived 

 from its pursuit. In the case before us, however, the bird 

 has lingered almost to the end of the shooting season, and 

 this voluntarily, for our specimen was fat and in good order. 

 An examination was made of the craw and gizzard of the bird 

 sent us, and they were found to be stuffed with the seeds of 

 the ragweed. 



We cherish high hopes for the success of the experiment 

 which is now being tried, and hope during the winter to 

 receive further reports of the occurrence of the European 

 quail from various parts of the south. 



We have received from a Georgia correspondent the follow- 

 ing letter which explains itself, and we hope that the spirit of 

 Mr. Council will infect others, and that all sportsmen will 

 watch for the presence of these strangers, and will do all they 

 can to protect them. 



Mr. Council, writing from Americus, Ga., under date of 

 December 8, says : 



We have been watching carelully lor the Messina quail, in case any 

 of them should wander this far southwest ; but we don't know where 

 or how to look for them. Would they probably come here ? If so, 

 please give us directions for finding them, describe their habits and in 

 what sort of places they would be apt to locate, what they feed upon 

 etc. Do they go in flocks ? and would dogs trained for the native 

 quail be apt to point them ? From self-interest, or some other philan- 

 thropic motive, we feel much interest in this noble enterprise, and wil 

 he proud of an opportunity to report anything we can discover. In 

 other words, we want all the Information about their habits that, we 

 can obtain, so as to let no chance tor observation be neglected. While 

 others generously bear the trouble and expense, we ought to be will- 

 ing to watch. 



We regret that it is not in our power to give our corres- 

 pondent the specific information which he desires. The 

 European writers speak of this species in very general terms, 

 and go but little into detail with regard to its habits. We 

 know that the birds feed mainly on seeds and grain, and that 

 in a general way their habits resemble those of our common 

 Bob White. We should look for them In the stubble fields 

 and among high weeds near water. It is said that they are 

 generally found singly or by two3 and threes, but that just 

 before their migrations they assemble in large flocks ; but we 

 do not know whether, on reaching their winter home, they 

 separate, or remain in flocks until their return to the north. 

 Dogs broken on our native birds will point the migratory 

 quail, though the birds are said to have a troublesome habit 

 of running before the dog. 



If all our gunning friends would but take the trouble to 

 record their observations on this species, and send reports to 

 us for publication, it would not be long before we would have 

 the material for a very complete biography of the species. 

 Let us all take pains to do our duty in this matter. 



Importation oi? Messina Quail.— We print with pleasure 

 the appended note for the benefit of such gentlemen as may 

 wish for another opportunity to import the very beautiful 

 game bird referred to. The efforts so far made to introduce 

 it seem to have received such encouragement as to induce 

 them to be repeated : ^^ ^ ^ ^ 



MR. Editor— I have written to Mr. Braun, at Messina, Sicily, for 

 prices and full information in reference to the importation of asms 

 Messina qnaU into BoBton, to be released in Plymouth county, Mass. 

 If any others in this section are Interested, and would like to take this 

 opportunity to Import for their own localities, I shall be pleased to give 

 i nem aU the information I receive. Address, 



H. P. T., P. O.Box 3,347, Boston. 



Massachusetts.— A party of about seventy interested gen- 

 tlemen gathered at Young's Hotel, Boston, last week for the 

 purpose of taking action relative to the game laws of the State. 

 Mr J Fottler, Jr., was chosen chairman, and in taking the 

 chair said that the present game law of our State was of no 

 wail lor while it proposed much, it accomplished little, and 

 the object of the meeting was to propose such amendments 

 to the law as would make it easy of enforcement. A draft of 

 a bill amendatory of the law of 1377, had been prepared for 

 the consideration of the meeting. This was substantially the 

 present law, except that it prohibited the footing of all 

 marsh beach or shore birds between April 1 and July 15; also 

 the taking or killing or all birds on their breeding grounds 

 this being especially directed against the killing of gulls_ and 

 tern on our const; and, lastly, the proposed bill contains a 

 section making the setting of nets, traps, snares or springs lor 

 i he takin"- of game birds a penal offence. The meeting voted 

 to exempt black-breasted plover, red-breasted piper, turnstone 

 and winter yellow-legs from the provisions of the bill. All 

 the other proposed amendments were adopted, and a commit- 

 tee consisting of Messrs. J. B. F. Thomas of Boston, William 

 Kter ?f Cambridge, M. C. Fitch of Melrose, Edward 



Reed of South Boston, U. R. Williams of Salem and W. S. 

 Perry of Worcester, was chosen to present the bill to the 

 Legislature and urge its passage. Among those present the 

 Kennel, the Trcmotit and Nuttall Clubs were represented, and 

 Mr. Newton represented the game dealers. 



New Yobk— Franklin, 2f. T., Dec. 20.— Early last fall a 

 few sportsmen in this valley saw the necessity of protecting 

 and propagating our game and fish and making violators of 

 our State game and fish laws live up to the same, so we ac> 

 cordingly formed a sportsman's association or club — The 

 Ouleont Sportsman's Club. We received our charter, and are 

 increasing and in good working shape now. The following 

 persons are officers of the same : President, Dr. Ira Wilcox ; 

 Vice-President, Charles A. Douglas ; Secretary and Treasurer, 

 M. P. McKoon ; Executive Committee, Dr. Ira Wilcox, Jas. 

 Rutherford and Robert Smith. M. P. M. 



Wisconsin— Madison, Dec. 14.— The slaughter of wild ani- 

 mals, upon which the State has placed a bounty, is an im- 

 portant and growing one. Last year the State paid $9,734 as 

 bounty, chiefly in wolves some wild cats and a few lynxes. 



Rovee. 



It has been shrewdly suspected that some enterprising Wis- 

 consin farmer has been keeping a private menagerie and sell- 

 ing off the surplus stock at a profit. 



Canadian Riflemen.— The Canadian rifle team for the 

 Wimbledon meeting of 1879 has been determined upon, and 

 stands as follows .- 



Lieut-Col Gibsoo, Thirteenth Battalion, Hamilton SSS 



Private Morria Hamilton 334 



Wheeler Ogu, Wellington Field Battery 334 



Captain Todd, Guards, Ottawa 325 



Sergeant J Mitchell, Thirteenth Battllon, Hamilton 321 



Lieut Adam, Hamilton •• seo 



Corporal Gray, Guards, Ottowa 320 



Capt Andersen, Tenth Royals, Toronto 320 



1., ■ u Ciij . ' :'i".' ■!' 1 10 : II) 



Dr Aitken, Ontario 319 



Priv Bell, Tenth Royals, Toronto 319 



Capt Thomas, Province of Quebec aiS 



— Pallen, St Joho, N. B .- 317 



Sergeant Bishop, Halifax, N. 3 S17 



Captain Cooper, rem 1 Royals, Toronto , .....31S 



Sergeant Riddell, 'tontreal 315 



Lieut Corvln, Halifax 314 



Prlv Mills, Tom h Royals, Toronto 812 



Priv Wynn, Montreal ail 



Sergeant Hunter, St John, N. B 310 



Of the thirteen from Ontario, Toronto claims five and 

 Hamilton four. As several of the team may not be able to 

 attend the competition at Wimbledon, seven of the waiting 

 men are given : 



Lieut Ewan, Thirty-fifth Battalion, Barrie, Ont 310 



Lieut Manlv, ({, O It, Toronto. 310 



Dr McConky, Thirty-fifth Battalion, Barrie 309 



Capt Gibson, Toronto Field Battery 809 



Staff Sgt Clayton, Guards, Ottawa 308 



Major Macpherson, Guards, Ottawa 308 



Lieut Vaughan, M O A, Quebec 3(is 



Massachusetts— PitUJield, Dec. 33.— Riverside Rifle and 

 Gun Club regular weekly shoot ; the target used 200 yards 

 reduced to 100 feet ; bull's-eye, 1^ inch ; Creedmoor rules j 

 ten shots, possible 50 : 



WW Tracy 43 F Leonard 43 



J 11 Wood 47 D Couch , 43 



ton 45 O Preston 43 



KBufbank 44 W L White 43 



Boston, Dec. 21, 1878.— Jackson Rifle Gallery, 25 Beach 

 Street. — The regular weekly prize shoot ; 75 feet ; 10 shots ; 

 possible 50 : 



W King 4 5 4 4 5 4 5 4 5 5-45 



G Dule 4 5 4 4 4 4 5 5 4 6—44 



FHHartshornc 4 44445*54 5— 43 



J Burnet 4 4 4 4 6 4 5 4 4 4—42 



FHHarlSS 5 4 4 344454 5—12 



CBrown 3 i A 5 4 4 4 5 4 4—41 



CWrigtlt.. S i 5 4 14 4 3 4 4-41 



PWlUiamS 6 5 4 4 4 4 3 4 4 4-41 



CJOneS 4 4 3 3 4 4 5 4 6 4—10 



B.B. 



New York — Syracuse, Dec. 16. — This evening the Bly den- 

 berg and Uernian Ride clubs met for the first time this season 

 at the range of the Blydenbergers, and the team match was 

 won by them with nine points. Last year the season's shoot- 

 ing resulted in a fine high tie. To-day the scores stood : 

 Blydenberg Club. 



WnWood 5 35555346 5—46 



TGAlVOrd.Jr S 3 4 3 5 2 3 5 4 4—36 



ClLCrouae 3 5 4 4 3 2 2 4 3 4-414 



FYanDuyn 3 3 5 4 5 5 4—29 



F Bonta 3 52635555 5-43 



J W White 3 8 2 4 4 4 5 4 2—31 



WL Brown 03333004 3—19 



FBoward 4 4435 2 445 4—39 



F Chapman 5 53555443 4—43 



BPGlaSS 4 443 4 4334 3—30—355 



German Ktfle Association. 



Singer 5 5 4 4 5 4 3 5 5 4-44 



Nichols 3 2545434S 3—36 



Nicholson 3 344433 3 4 5—36 



Wanner 3 3 4 3 5 3 6 3 3 3—35 



Mantel 3 3 3 4 3 3 3 5 5-82 



Grammer 3 44654633 4— w 



UilCher 3 444S255 3 I!-35 



young 3 08324253 3—28 



BrOWH '* 4 2 3 5 3 4 4—29 



Joh 2 33543035 3—31—846 



Zettlbr's Rifle Gallery, 207 Bowery.— The tenth com- 

 petition for the «lock, on Creedmoor target reduced to gallery 

 distance; ten shots j possible 50 s 



Wm Klein 60 G ASchurman 4>S 



H Oehl BO M Dorler 46 



D Miller i'-t B Kimmcrman 45 



G Joiner 49 H Fisher 45 



B Zettler 49 F Fabarius 45 



M B Engel 49 MLRiggs 46 



CG Zettler IS 1) Cullmue 4j 



W M Farrow -IT C JuilBon 44 



P Fenning 47 L Trouble 44 



JohnDutil 47 J Levy ■ ....40 



Mr. Wm. Klein wins the clock by the scores of 47, 49 

 and 50. 



The weekly shoot of the club took place on Tuesday, Dec. 

 17, 1878 ; ten shots per man on point target ; possible 30 : 



P Fenning 2a G A Schurman 15 



•4 Zettler IS H Fisher 15 



M Dorler is LG Beates 13 



G Joiner 18 C Jadson 13 



D Miller IS JLevy 13 



C G Zettler 17 R Zimmerman 13 



D eulhane 10 T Broadway 18 



j Until 15 W M Farrow 12 



M B Engel IS MLRigga 12 



H Oehl 13 F Fabarius 11 



Creedmoor, Jr., Range— Corner Broadway and Warren 

 Street. — Mid-range rifle match, for teams of five from any rifle 

 club or association; number of shots, ten ; position, standing; 

 distance, 100 yard ; rifle, any 23-cal, 31b. pull, Entrance fee 

 $5 each team. One quarter of entrance money given 

 team at each competition ; prize to be won three times before 

 becoming the property of winners. More than one team can 

 enter from any club, but one man can shoot on but one team. 

 On December 21 scores were made as follows : 



Zettler Rifle Club. 

 HenryOehl i 44455544 4—43 



W Klein 5 15 4 5 5 4 5 4 4-45 



DMUler 5 5 5 4 4 5 4 4 4 4-44 



CG Zettler 5 6 4 4 3 4 4 5 5 5—14 



BZettler 4 4 5 6 (Ml B 5—46-222 



Empire BiDe Club— Team No. 1. 



WMFarrow fi 55455454 5-47 



DrStUb 1 4434446 4 E— 41 



F H Holton 5 4 6 5 5 5 5 4 5 1—47 



J W Toed 4 4 4 5 4 5 4 6 5—40 



H Fisher 4 55645445 4— Jo— 220 



Empire Ride Club— Team No. 2, 



H W Qourley 1 5 5 14 5 5 6 5 4—46 



U Her.bert 4 3 3 4 3 4 4 ! 3—37 



Dr. Dolbeare I 4 4 3 5 4 4 3 4 5—10 



Frank Baker 4 4 4 4 4 3 5 5 5 4—42 



WLBurton 4 3 3 4 3 3 3 4'! 



Ohio— Cincinnati, Dec. 16. — A portion of the team of the 

 Cincinnati Shooting and Pishing Club opened the winter's 

 campaign at Trimpes Range on the above date with the in- 

 tention of meeting once a week until the season closes. Our 

 late captain, W. T. Sedam, one of the best shots we ever had, 

 has been living for some time in Denver, Colorado. As he 

 took his Winchester with him, we are beginning to be afraid 

 somebody has put bim up a tree. Another off-hand range has 

 been started on Prince's Hill just west of the city, and from 

 the preparations being made I anticipate that you will hear 

 from this part of the world more frequently in the future. 

 The following is the score, 15 shots, 200 yards, off-hand : 



FHBaum 5 4 5 5 5 4 4 1 4 4 r, 4 4 4 4—05 



W Hall 4 5 4 4 14 4 5 5 4 5 4 5 3 !—£.,- 



J Weston 4 3444444445444 4—6O 



W Campbell 4 4 4 4 4 5 3 4 4 5 4 4 4 3 3—59 



H Koch 2 3 5 5 4 4 4 3 3 4 4 t 



W Caldwell 4 5 4 4 4 3 4 4 3 4 2 3 4 3 4-57 



C. 



Michigan— -East Sagirww, Dec. 21. — Saginaw Amateur 

 Rifle Club, seventh practice, 200- yard target "reduced ; possi- 

 ble 50 : 



COYankey. 4 6445 4 455 5-45 



CaptWJShaw 2 1 s 4 5 r, 5 6 4 4-43 



RFCorbyn 4 4 4 4 5 4 3 a 3 5—39 



J Howry 444334 2 4 4-32 



C. 0. Y. 



A Calo-obnian Tbam Match.— On Dec. 14 teams from 

 Petaluma, Santa Rosa and Healdsburg, Cal., had a match on 

 the last named place, using Winchester rifles (model '73), at 

 200 yards. Six men constituted each team, firing 10 shots 

 apiece. The home team were victorious, scoring 237 ; Santa 

 Rosa and Potaluma, 227 each. Petaluma had one miss, which 

 gives Santa Rosa the second, and Petaluma the third place. 



H. a S. 



03W# §<tg and %mu 



GAME IN SEASON FOR DECEMBER. 



Bed or \ iam.ua. 



md gray. 

 Qnail or partridge, Orti/x Virginia- 



Moose, dices makhw. 

 Elk or wapiti, Cmtut canademis. 

 11 ares, brown anil gray. 

 Wild turkey, MekajrU gallopavo. 

 Woodcock, Philohela minor. Pinnated grouse or pi 



Buffed grouse or pheasant, Sunana en 

 umbelTus. Caribou, 



"Bay birds" generally, Including various species of plover, sand 

 piper, snipe, curlew, oyster -catcher, surf bii-'i?, iiiiuii'ropes, avoceta, 

 etc., coming under the group Limocota or Shore Birds. 



EP" In New York State December Is a close month for deer. Deer 

 shooting Is permitted only during the months of September, October 

 and November. Sale of venison Is permitted cntll January 1, and not 

 after. 



Geese, Beast and Ducks near Abbeooji. — The article 

 under this head in our issue of Dec. 5 was written by Mr. 

 James M, Scovel, of Philadelphia, who promises us some ac- 

 count of a quail shoot around Malaga. 



OaNApa— Quebec, Dec. 10. — The shooting this year has been 

 from fair to middling, as the cotton brokers Bay. The ruffed 

 grouse were rather scarce, and very wild from bei 

 hunted, and a good bag of them for a day's shooting has been 

 a scarce thing. Managed to pick up seven about Lorettee, 

 which I thought good for the season, but mybaj 

 counted one or two, and sometimes none at all for a day's 

 hunt. I managed to secure a few hares by the aid of a small 

 foxhound, but they, too, are almost used'up anywhere near 

 the city by the system of snaring, which is carried on by the 

 French-Canadian habitants, who in the winter bring them to 

 the markets by thousands, and sell them for ten cenl 

 They also bring in the ruffed grouse by dozens, and I can 

 assure you that not one in every dozen in shot, but potted in 

 the snares along with the rabbits, thus showing that the game 

 law in this part at least of Lower Canada is a dead letter. I 

 managed to pickup a few woodcock and aluo some snipe on 

 Chateau Ricker beach, but while there was a day now and 

 then when the shooting was good there, most of the time it 

 was shot to death, and a person had to be content with from 

 five to ten birds. In my best day 1 to n twenty- 



one, and a black duck, but iu four other visils my highest 

 number only reached nine snipe. Ducks have been very scarce 

 There has been no shooting of any account iu this line. I saw 

 more within the last two weeks than I saw the whole season. 

 Wild geese, too, have been Hying up and down the river in 

 large numbers, but this last cold snap has driven th m to seek 

 pastures new until spring recalls them. A d Sable. 



Went BoyUlon, Dec. 20. — Game has been quite si 

 this season. Woodticks and snares have effectually cleared 

 out our partridges, and but very few good 

 brought in. Woodcock shooting, first of tin 

 but not like a year ago when the birds wei 

 Rabbits are more plenty than last year, but are being thinned 

 out by ferrets. The sportsmen here are in hopes that the law 

 regarding setting of snares ai the Massachusetts 



Kennel Club will be passed. If the penalty was only heavier 

 perhaps fewer would be set. Paci.. 



