56 GAME BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA. 
ently hunted and trapped, has greatly decreased in num- 
ber inmany localities where it was formerly very abundant, 
and the large packs mentioned above are not very often 
seen at the present time, except in districts far removed 
from towns or villages, in which every man Carries a gun, 
The average number of eggs in the nest is about fifteen, 
and they have a creamy white, or buff ground color, 
minutely dotted or blotched with chestnut-brown, olive- 
gray, or pale rufous. The nest is almost always placed 
on the ground, sometimes without any attempt at con- 
cealment, but usually under some log or bush, or close 
to a stump. Instances are known, however, where this 
species has nested in trees at no great height from the 
ground. Incubation is carried on for about three weeks, 
and the young run as soon as hatched. 
The California Partridge is naturally of a tame and 
confiding disposition, and, when not molested, will ap- 
proach farm buildings and remain near the dwellings 
feeding among the poultry, but, when much hunted, soon 
becomes wild and wary, shunning man and all his belong- 
ings. The food consists of seeds, berries, and tender 
plants, and various insects, and it is upon these last that 
the chicks are usually fed. The male does not assist the 
females in incubating the eggs, but mounts guard close 
at hand, and utters his call note at intervals. The old 
birds tend the young carefully, and are very watchful of 
any danger threatening their chicks, which at the first 
note of warning scatter in all directions and hide under 
anything that will afford a cover, from a dried leaf to a 
log or bush, and if nothing of the kind is at hand, will 
Squat upon the ground, remaining alent until the 
cause of their fear has departed. 
