66 GAME BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA. 
birds do not seem to have any regular time to commence 
laying, some being much later than others, and on this 
account, and the number of broods raised, young or half- 
grown birds are met with nearly throughout the entire 
summer. The pretty little downy chicks run as soon as 
hatched, and soon become exceedingly expert in hiding, 
which they are quick to do at the warning chirp of the 
mother, squatting close to the ground and remaining 
absolutely motionless, or crawling under leaves, or any 
shelter that 1s available. Danger past, at a cluck from 
the anxious mother, who all the time has probably been 
crouching near by, watching her brood, the chicks gather 
arodind her, and are led to a more retired and secure 
locality. When able to use their wings and fly with some 
degree of freedom, the young take refuge in the trees 
and perch on the branches, but as they grow older the 
one particular habit they have inherited prevails over all 
the rest, and their legs are depended upon for escape 
more than upon any other means at their disposal, and 
they run with considerable swiftness, oniy using the 
wings as the last resort. 
Gambel’s Partridge has many enemies, foremost 
among which is man, both white and red, who destroys 
vast numbers both with gun and snares of various in- 
genuity. Hawks, wolves, foxes, and other predatory 
animals kill numbers, and doubtless many fall a prey to 
rattlesnakes and other reptiles. Still if the species only 
had to combat with its natural enemies, it would probably 
be able to maintain itself in undiminished numbers, but 
whenever man, especially Caucasian man, takes a hand 
in destroying, the time of diminution and final extinction 
of any wild creature is near at hand. 
This Partridge has a number of calls, which it utters 
at various times and on especial occasions, some of which 
