26 
GROUSE FAMILY. 
straw, and probably the ground, in quest of grain and insects 
which, with seeds and various kinds of buds and. berries, as 
well as broken acorns, according to the season, often consti- 
tute a considerable part of their native diet. 
Remaining with us commonly the whole year, the little social 
band often suffer from the inclemency of the seasons. At 
this time they perch together on some rising ground beneath 
the shelter of brush or briers, and forming a close circle, with 
their heads outward to discern any approach of danger, they 
thus greatly aid each other by their mutual warmth to resist the 
chilling effects of frost. It is probable, however, they have no 
great fear of snow when together, as they may often be seen 
patiently encountering the storm, as its white wreaths invade 
them, and frequently on the arrival of a thaw, unfortunate 
coveys, suspecting no danger, are found buried beneath the 
inundating waste, huddled together in their accustomed man- 
ner. They are observed even, on the approach of danger, 
to rush into the snow for shelter ; and it is only when the drift 
becomes so consolidated by a frozen glazing of sleet as to 
resist all their efforts to move that it proves their grave, rather 
than their retreat. 
As they happen to afford a favorite and delicate article of 
food, every means which gun and trap can effect are put in 
operation against the innocent race. Their very sociability 
often affords means for their destruction; for while crowded 
together in a ring, a dozen or more have been killed at a shot ; 
and the small remains of the unfortunate covey, feeling their 
weakness and solitude, are said to join some neighboring brood, 
for whom they soon form the same friendly attachment they had 
for the fraternity they have lost. 
From the latter end of August to the month of March, the 
markets- of all our principal cities are often stocked with this 
favorite game. 
Some time in the month of May the Quail, at the bottom of 
a sheltering tuft of grass, scratches out a cavity for her nest, 
which is usually lined substantially with such withered leaves 
and dry grass as happen to be convenient. Though generally 
