The Quail Family

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23489, 28 October 1939, Page 7 (Supplement)

The Quail Family

pEAR BOYS AND GIRLS,— T| HE quail have arrived again and very noisy was their arrival, too! One sunny morning when the shadows of the trees were still long and dark across the fields I heard an unusual sound. Not really unusual, perhaps, be.! b most unqomnion sound in our garden, for it was like the cheerful rippling of a tiny stream —little, fat-sounding, liquid notes. Of course, being curious, Grey Malcolm and I looked out of the window to see what it was all about. There, just as last year, was the quail family strutting importantly across the tennis court. One, two, three—about half-a-dozen or move of them all chattering gaily together as they walked along with their little plump chests stuck out and some with cheeky-wee topknots bobbing about: on their heads. Everyone remarked how quaint they looked and how nice it was to see them back, until a few days later three little grey quail were discovered having a delicious feast under the netting that was supposed to protect our special Spring peas! Then, I am sorry to say, there were three rather scared little , ; quail who were not very popular. However, I have spoken about the matter to Grey Malcolm and he promised to do something to remedy it. Evidently he has, for I.caught sight of him just now —fast asleep on the wire-netting—with a quail within an inch of his nose boldly snipping off the tender gireen pea-pods. ■ You will be pleased to see the Christmas Contest announced this week. I am expecting some splendid entries this time and I know you will not disappoint me, boys and girls. ' ■ Love and happy, sunny days to you all from

I\m^l

i 1 ! All Hallows' Eve \ I I don't believe in goblins j ■ And— • : / don't believe in ghosts; • I / fcnou) those puckered grins belong \ : To pumpkins, set on posts. • • I don't think THEY will get me, I j /am much too quick, !J ou 3CC » ! j And | : If anyone's afraid to-night, S « That someone isn't me I j : / don't believe in witches, : ■ But— } { The house is AWFULLY still I j ■ What's that? —I thought somebody ] j lapped j j Upon my window-sill. S j Perhaps the tales I've heard are true, • J About All Hallows' Night, i | A j | Little boy feels MUCH more safe S j When he puts on the light I j | —Joan Pain, j j j