386 REPTILES AND BIRDS. 
these facts abundantly prove that, with a little patience, it would be 
possible to raise the Partridge to the dignity of a domestic farm- 
yard fowl. 
The Partridge is highly esteemed by epicures; it is also the 
delight of the sportsman. On account of its abundance, especially 
of the grey variety, it may be pronounced the favourite game of 
France. Partridge-shooting, moreover, is what is generally chosen 
for the education of the inexperienced shot; the dog, too, by the 
constant display of extraordinary sagacity, in no small degree contri- 
butes to the charm of this sport (PLATE XV). 
Let us now take a rapid glance at the various species of the 
Partridge. ‘The Common or Grey Partridge (Perdix cinereus, PLATE 
XVI.) is the most numerous; it is very plentiful over the whole of 
Central Europe, the North of France, Belgium, Holland, and Great 
Britain. In these countries it frequents the districts covered with 
grain, green crops, and meadows. ‘This bird is not altogether harm- 
less to agriculture, as it is not satisfied with the ears of corn left on 
the surface, but scratches up the seed that has been sown. ‘The 
services which it renders in destroying worms, insects, and grubs, 
doubtlessly compensate for these delinquencies. 
The migratory Grey Partridge, a variety of smaller size, which is not 
known in England, is remarkable for its vagrant character, and forms 
a singular contrast to the stay-at-home habits of the genus generally. 
It makes its appearance in large flocks, at the most diverse seasons 
and in the most varied latitudes. Not migratory in the proper sense 
of the word, its journeys seem undertaken under the influence of 
some unknown cause, and are wanting in regularity and constancy. 
This bird is of a very shy nature, and is frequently met with in the 
Fast (Turkey, Syria, and Egypt) ; it is sometimes noticed in France, 
where it is called the Damascus Partridge. 
Contrary to the Grey Partridge, the Red-legged, and those allied to 
it, have the tarsi provided with tubercles. 
The Red-legged Partridge (Caccabis rufa, PLATE XVII.) owes its 
name to the predominant colour of its plumage, and also to the 
pink shade of its beak, tarsi, and feet. Uncultivated wastes, thinly 
covered with heath, and undulating uplands adapted to the vine, are 
its favourite resorts. It is a native of Spain and Italy, all Eastern 
Europe, and is very common in portions of Asia and Africa. In 
France it is principally found in the. south; in the northern depart- 
ments it is not so plentiful as the Grey Partridge. 
The brush-clad mountains are its home, where it ascends in fine 
weather to altitudes verging on perpetual snow. It is very fond of 
