Nov. 13 - 1874 Nov. 13 Was a very cold day. The 20° at sunrise. The last three days have been most dad ones to us. Mother died at 20 minutes before 1 on Tuesday morning and we accompanied her remains to the grave yesterday afternoon. Seeking rest and consolation when I knew most surely I could find it - in Nature - I started off with my gun and dog immediately after breakfast. While driving up Willington hill I spied a boy of quail basking in the sun in a little sheltered nook by the roadside and quickly tying my horse I followed them up and in the course of the forenoon bagged 5. Shot behind very handsome, and made fine flinch points. Singularly enough when they rose the first time about half the bay lit in an open mowing field, while a most gallant cone lay on either side of them. With the exception of one bird I killed all those I could find, for they lay very close though they apparently entirely withheld all count. Shot also 2 hawks while flung our new and heard some Curucrostra Am. Saw numbers of Chry. tristi, Pas. ducau and a few Mel. melodica. Reached the home by 1.30 P.M. Total bag Quail 5.