The Partridge cr QmiL 287 



by a circuitous route to the place she just abandoned; and, calling 

 in subdued tones, she soon collects around her the scattered 

 progeny, and quickly leads them off from the scene of danger. 

 The cock Partridge at the same time is using every effort to dis- 

 tract the attention of the intruder by flying or rather tumbling 

 confusedly before him, running along the o-round, hanirinfr his 

 wings, fluttering as if badly wounded and unable to escape his 

 every grasp. By such like artifices, the male bird strives to 

 dehide the eager observer, and deceive, perchance, his no less 

 anxious dog ; for, leading them both away, step by step, from the 

 young covey, sufficient time is gained for the female to perform her 

 important task. When the danger is passed, the hen bird, by 

 her joyful call, directs the mate to her retreat. 



"It is not only in devices of this kind that Partridges display a 

 strong and lively affection for their young, but where there ap- 

 pears a probability of success, they will not hesitate to attack any 

 enemy that assails them ; and it is no uncommon thing for the 

 old ones to be seen flying up at hawks, or other birds of prey, 

 screaming and fighting with all vigor to defend their helpless 

 offspring. Several years ago we witnessed a desperate battle 

 between a cock Partridge and a black snake, which rather singu- 

 lar combat would, however, have soon proved fatal to the former, 

 if we had not so opportunely come to his rescue, as the serpent 

 had already caught the exhausted bird by the wing, and so 

 deadly was the grasp that he even held on to his affrighted, but 

 nevertheless courageous victim, after we had broken his back with 

 a blow from a large stick. On searching around in the grass, we 

 discovered two very young Partridges, somewhat mutilated, and 

 nearly dead, both of which no doubt had been seized by his 

 snakeship as a dainty meal, which he was not, however, permitted 

 to enjoy, owing to the bold attack of the parent bird. 



" The wild nature of the Partridge renders its domestication 

 almost impossible, though in some instances, where the eggs have 

 been placed under the common hen, they have been hatched and 

 reared with as much success as if the progeny were of her own 

 species. The young brood, however, though perfectly familiar 

 with all the other occupants of the farm-yard, and apparently 

 reconciled to their unnatural mode of life, still exhibited the 

 wandering and restless disposition of their race, and in most 

 instances have flown away to their native haunts at the pairing 

 season of the following year. The Americaji Partridge, in com- 



