108 TETRAONID.E. 



among the Swedes, that he had known that very spot 

 tenanted by a brood of Quails annually for many years. 



The outward appearance of the Quail is not very striking, 

 in consequence of the predominant brown colouring of its 

 plumage, and the rounded shape of the bird ; but, on close 

 examination, it is one of the most beautifully marked spe- 

 cies that visits this country. 



The Quail lives on the ground, where it looks for its 

 food in the manner of the partridges. It runs with great ease 

 and swiftness ; its flight is quick, and much resembling 

 that of the partridge, but apparently performed with more 

 ease. The Quail flies, when unprovoked, in a straight line ; 

 but is nevertheless able to turn at angles easily if required. 

 By preference, the bird now before us does not take wing, 

 and frequently resorts to it, if pursued, too late for its own 

 safety : dogs frequently catch them, boys knock them 

 down with a stick, and when the Quail does fly, it is 

 only to a short distance, and with a little attention the bird 

 may be seen to drop itself down in a bush or tuft, and 

 remain there close for any handy person to take the bird 

 alive. When this bird alights on a ploughed field, or in the 

 track of some carriage wheel, it will hide its head behind 

 a lump of earth or in a hole, and thus expose itself to 

 imminent danger. Considering these points, and adding 

 them to our observations made under divers circumstances, 

 we must give it as our opinion, that the bird is nervously 

 timid by nature. 



During the greater part of the day the Quail remains 

 hidden and quiet, unless a hot sunny day invites it to 

 dust itself, and then it enjoys lying on one side with its 

 legs extended, and sleeps. Towards dusk the bird becomes 

 more animated, and goes in search of food until late at 

 night. Early in the morning, before daybreak, it is about 

 again, which lasts till the sun rises, when sheltered places 

 receive it as usual. When hunger presses during the day, 



