QUAIL, OR PARTRIDGE. 
313 
About the beginning of September, the quails being 
now nearly full grown, and associated in flocks, or 
coveys, of from four or five to thirty, afford considerable 
sport to the gunner. At this time the notes of the 
male are most frequent, clear, and loud. His common 
call consists of two notes, with sometimes an introduc- 
tory one, and is similar to the sound produced by 
pronouncing the words “ Bob White.” This call may 
be easily imitated by whistling, so as to deceive the 
bird itself, and bring it near. While uttering this, 
he is usually perched on a rail of the fence, or on a low 
limb of an apple tree, where he will sometimes sit, 
repeating, at short intervals, “ Bob White,” for half an 
hour at a time. When a covey are assembled in a 
thicket, or corner of a field, and about to take wing, 
they make a low twittering sound, not unlike that of 
young chickens ; and, when the covey is dispersed, they 
are called together again by a loud and frequently 
repeated note, peculiarly expressive of tenderness and 
anxiety. 
The food of the partridge consists of grain, seeds, 
insects, and berries of various kinds. Buckwheat and 
Indian corn are particular favourites. In September 
and October, the buckwheat fields afford them an 
abundant supply, as well as a secure shelter. They 
usually roost at night in the middle of a field on high 
ground; and from the circumstance of their dung 
being often found in such places in one round heap, it 
is generally conjectured that they roost in a circle, with 
their heads outwards, each individual in this position 
forming a kind of guard to prevent surprise. They 
also continue to lodge for several nights in the same 
spot. 
The partridge, like all the rest of the gallinaceous 
order, flies with a loud whirring sound, occasioned by 
the shortness, concavity, and rapid motion of its wings, 
and the comparative weight of its body. The steadi- 
ness of its horizontal flight, however, renders it no 
difficult mark to the sportsman, particularly when 
assisted by his sagacious pointer. The flesh of this bird 
