o/8 GALLII^.K. 



ever, from Partridges, iiiasmucli as they do not 

 frequent cultivated grounds ; on the contrary, they 

 ])refer the neighbourhood of woods, where they 

 seem to select damp localities abounding in reeds. 

 They live upon berries quite as much as upon grain, 

 and seek eagerly for worms and insects, such as 

 abound in marshy soil ; they likewise feed exten- 

 sively on small bulbous roots, which they dig from 

 the ground with their beaks. Moreover, they are 

 very fond of perching upon trees, more especially 

 during the night ; and their call is much more 

 harsh and noisy than that of the Partridge. Their 

 riesh is excellent ; indeed, the European species is 

 regarded as one of the most dainty dishes. 



The typical species of this sub-family is — 



The Common Francolin {Francolinus vulgaris). Unlike 

 its African congeners, which feed on bulbous roots, for 

 })vocuring which their l)eak is specially adapted, our 

 Euro})ean kind differs little in form and food from the 

 true Partridge ; it however exhibits a decided preference 

 for moist and humid districts, and perches on trees. In 

 Eiiro[)e its habitat ajjpears exclusively confined to the 

 southern regions, as Sicily, Malta, and the Neapolitan 

 territories ; but it is also found in tlie North of Africa and 

 over the greater portion of the Asiatic continent ; it has 

 also been received in collections from tlie Himalaya 

 mountains. Its flesh is very delicate, and much esteemed 

 iu India. 



Tliese l)ii'ds generally re])air to trees on the a|>proacli 

 < )f night, and remain there till the break of day again 

 invites them to their feeding-places, which are commoidy 

 tlie banks of rivers. Among the grass which clothes 

 such localities these birds wander during the greater part 

 of the day, and when they are surprised in their retreats 

 they run with considerable speed ; as, unless when sharply 

 pressed, they generally prefer that manner of effecting 

 tlieir escaj^e to flying. The slightest alarm causes them 

 to bend their course towards the jungle, in the densest 

 parts of which they conceal themselves until the clanger 

 is past ; and on such occasions they not unfrequently 

 })erch upon shrubs which are fully covered with foliage. 



