op mnns. 
135 
QUAIL. 
The Gluiul is smaller tlian any other bird 
of the poultry kind, being not above half the 
size of a partridge. The feathers of the 
head are black, edged with rusty brown ; the 
breast is of a pale yellowish red, spotted with 
black; the feathers on the back are marked 
with lines of a pale yellow ; and the legs are 
of a pale hue. The Quail is much less pro- 
lific than the partridge ; seldom laying more 
than six or seven eggs. Quail fighting was 
a favourite amusement amongst the Athe- 
nians, who reared great numbers of them, 
for the pleasure of seeing them fight; and 
staked sums of money upon the success ot 
the combat. Fashion, however, has at pre- 
sent changed with regard to this bird: we 
take no pleasure in its courage, but its flesh 
is considered as n very great delicacy. 
