300 GROUSE. 



partridge; it however exhibits a decided preference for moist and humid dis- 

 tricts, and perches on trees. In Europe its habitat appears exclusively confined 

 to the southern regions, as Sicily, Malta, and the Neapolitan territories ; but 

 it is also found in the north of Africa and over the greater portion of the Asiatic 

 continent; it has also been received in collections from the Himalaya Moun- 

 tains. Its flesh is very delicate, and much esteemed in India. 



"These birds generally repair to trees on the approach of night, and remain 

 there till the break of day again invites them to their feeding-places, which are 

 commonly the 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 their escape 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 danger is past, 

 and on such occasions they not unfrcqucntly perch upon shrubs which are fully 

 covered with foliage. When feeding, particularly early in the morning, and 

 also occasionally towards evening, they utter their harsh and frequent calls, and 

 these are often responded to by others of the species who may be scattered ai 

 a distance in the surrounding valleys. They feed upon small bulbs and insects, 

 and also swallow a considerable quantity of gravel."— Smith, '■'■ Illus. of the 

 Zool. of S. Africa^ 



The'Pilea'ted Francolin {Francolinus pilcatus). This fine bird, which 

 measures thirteen inches and a half in length, was discovered by Dr. Smith 

 during his expedition into the interior of South Africa, and was first seen on 

 the banks of the Marikwa river. "It shewed," says Dr. Smith, "but little dis- 

 position to resort to the jungle, though, when disturbed in more open localities, 

 which it by choice frequents while feeding, it seeks concealment among the 

 thickets. Early in the morning specimens were observed, in moderate abun- 

 dance, upon the open grassy plots which occurred intersecting the wooded 

 regions that skirted both sides of the stream, and there they appeared to find 

 their food in plenty, which was found to consist of small bulbous roots, seeds, 

 insects, etc. To the same localities these birds were observed to resort towards 

 evening, but at that period they were less readily discovered, owing to their 

 being more silent. During the middle of the day they were rarely seen, pro- 

 bably because, while the sun is powerful, they repose upon the dwarf trees or 

 shruljs, no doubt to be more secure from the teeth of the numerous predatory 

 quadrupeds which are constantly traversing the woods in quest of prey." 



The Pondicherry Francolin (Fmiualinus poniicericDuis) is a native of 

 India. In the Deccan, according to Colonel Sykes, it is one of the most 

 common birds, and is called a partridge. It frequents gardens and cultivated 

 lands. In the ghauts it is only met with in well cultivated valleys, never 

 appearing at all on the mountains. It roosts on trees, and Colonel Sykes tells 

 us that, on more than one occasion, he has shot these birds on trees during 

 the day-time — but this is a rare occurrence. 



