428 BIRDS OF NORFOLK. 



of deciding, but I cannot consider the above instances 

 as any proof of a migratory movement, since, occurring, 

 as recorded, during September or October, the appear- 

 ance of partridges on the beacli under such circumstances 

 is, as I have before stated, easily accounted for. At 

 that season, if shot at in the vicinity of the coast, they 

 will occasionally, as is well known, fly direct out to 

 sea, and consequently return again to the shore in an 

 exhausted condition. 



Some of my readers will probably remember amongst 

 the attractions at the Sydenham Crystal Palace in 1866, 

 a covey of thirteen grey-partridges, which enjoyed the 

 run of a commodious and well-constructed aviary in the 

 centre of the building. These birds (together with a 

 tame snipe in an adjoining cage) were of Norfolk origin, 

 having been presented by Mr. J. S. C. Stevens, of the 

 Manor House, Old Buckenham, and certainly in both 

 plumage and condition did credit to their native county. 

 Being liberally supplied with sand for the purpose, these 

 birds might be seen '^ busking" at all times of the day, 

 and exhibiting other traits which but rarely come under 

 the notice of even the naturalist or sportman. Occa- 

 sionally, also, the shrill call-note of the species seemed 

 to transport one far away from that busy scene, as some 

 member of the covey, with outstretched neck, gave forth 

 its well known cry. 



Pied varieties are not unfrequently met with, and 

 some few years ago, during three or four successive 

 seasons, several beautiful specimens were shot on Colonel 

 Petre's estate, at Westwick, most exquisitely pencilled 

 with light-grey and delicate buff-coloured tints. 



