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University of California Publications. [Geology 



to the Gallinae. The number of species is however limited to 

 six, and of these one contains one hundred and fourteen speci- 

 mens. Of the six species, three are grouse, two are quail, and 

 one a large meleagrine form. 



One very noticeable fact is that the genus Lophortyx, em- 

 bracing the varieties of the California quail, is entirely wanting 

 in the collections from Potter Creek and Samwel caves, while 

 Oreortyx is represented by only four specimens from Potter 

 Creek Cave. It seems hardly probable that this lack of quail 

 remains can be due to the conditions of interment, but rather 

 to a scarcity of the species in the immediate vicinity during 

 the time of deposition. A predatory species which would carry 

 the remains of grouse into the cave would prey also upon the 

 quail, which are slightly smaller and of similar habit. The 

 greater fragility of the bones of the smaller form seems an in- 

 adequate explanation in the presence of the remains of such 

 forms as Colaptes, Cyanocitta, Glaucidium, Micropallas, and 

 Falco sparverius. 



The accidental introduction by washing from the surface or 

 through blundering of the animal causing its death by falling 

 into an open fissure would be more effective in the introduction 

 of quail remains than in the case of the non-terrestial forms 

 Colaptes and Corvus, both of which are forms represented in a 

 well-balanced fauna by fewer individuals as a rule than is the 

 case with the quail. 



The great abundance of quail remains in Hawver Cave would 

 suggest a later time of deposition for these deposits. 



COLAPTES CAFEE (Gmelin) 



This species is represented in all three caves by the very 

 characteristic ulna with its pronounced olecranon process and 

 prominent papillae for the attachment of the secondaries. 



CORVUS COEAX Linnaeus 

 The species is found in Hawver Cave only, where it is rep- 

 resented by twelve specimens, the remains of several individuals 

 if the character of the specimen may serve as an indication. 



