THE GUN AT HOME AND ABROAD 
parties soon become broken up, and separate, the various members 
leading a more or less solitary and independent existence till the autumn 
migration commences. 
An attempt was made some thirty years ago in Morayshire to increase 
the number of quail, which sometimes occur there in small numbers, by 
importing a large number of eggs and hatching them under bantam hens. 
Though a considerable number were successfully reared, all disappeared 
in the autumn, and apparently did not help to increase the stock in the 
subsequent year. 
The habits of the quail are in many ways very similar to those of the 
partridge ; they feed chiefly, and are most active, in the morning and 
evening, remaining more or less quiescent during the middle of the day, 
especially in warm weather, when they sun themselves and indulge in a 
dust -bath like other game-birds. At such times they are most unwilling 
to rise. They are entirely terrestrial in their habits, and never perch 
on trees. 
As soon as the breeding -season is over quails become more or less 
solitary in their habits, and are never found in coveys like partridges. 
Though comparatively rare in this country, they are often overlooked owing 
to their skulking habits and disinclination to rise, but their presence 
may always be detected by those familiar with their unmistakable call. 
When on migration quails may be often met with in the early morning 
in large flocks or packs, before they have scattered and settled down 
for the day. At such times the birds are very restless, and on rising, often 
fly far, but as the day advances they lie very close, and may be almost 
trodden on before they take wing. 
W. R. OGILVIE-GRANT. 
202 
