QUAILS—are small birds, found, at certain seasons, in corn fields and stubbles, as well as in the standing crops of backward clover: they partake, in a certain degree, of the game species, as spaniels (that are well bred) instantly _feather_, and pointers gradually draw to a doubtful POINT, upon _winding_ them, and STAND FIRM if near to the bird. QUAILS are considered birds of passage, as they are only to be seen in the centrical parts of the kingdom during the four warmest months of the year. They get up before the dog with great reluctance, running till almost weary before they rise. When upon wing, a very moderate shot will bring them down. In those counties where they are found in greater plenty than in some others, they are caught alive, by means of what is termed a QUAIL-CALL and NETS; and sometimes in such numbers, as to be seen at the shops of the London poulterers in cages exhibited for sale. QUALIFICATION—is both a sporting and parliamentary term for the privilege of killing game, in HUNTING, COURSING, SHOOTING, or by _any_ mode which the qualified party may chuse to adopt; provided it is not repugnant to such other Acts as are still in force for the prevention of POACHING, and those nocturnal depredations by which the game is annually so daringly reduced. This qualification (or exemption from the penalties of former Acts during different reigns) till of very late years, consisted in the full and unrestrained possession of one hundred pounds per annum, issuing from FREEHOLD LAND, or estate, and producing that _clear_ annual sum when _every other_ expence was paid: or, the possession of a LEASEHOLD estate of one hundred and fifty pounds per annum, in right of _self_ or _wife_, for the term of ninety-nine years, or any term beyond that period. In addition to which, it is enacted by an Act of the Legislature during the present reign of GEORGE the THIRD, That every person in Great Britain who shall use any _dog_, _gun_, _net_, or other _engine_, for the _taking_ or _destruction_ of GAME, shall take out an annual certificate, from the CLERK of the PEACE for the county in which he resides, and shall pay for such certificate the sum of THREE POUNDS THREE SHILLINGS, with one shilling to the clerk for his trouble in making it out. See GAME, and GAME LAWS.