200 INSESSORES—CURSORES. 
On the cut at the.head of this Chapter we have 
figured the common American Partridge and Gam- 
ble’s Partridge. Of the former species perhaps most 
persons have some knowledge. 'T'o those who reside 
in the country it is by no means a stranger, especially 
in winter, when it often frequents the barn-yard to 
assist the fowls in appropriating their feed; while in 
summer, its clear loud call of “ Bob White! Bob, Bob 
White!” is as well-known and familiar a voice as pro- 
ceeds from the grove. There is something peculiarly 
pleasing in this love-note of the Partridge; the clear- 
ness and distinctness with which it is uttered is sur- 
prising, and the soft, mellow tones, as they come from 
a distance, are full of such sweetness that they quite 
inspire one with a love for the bird. It really con- 
sists of three syllables instead of two; the first being 
simply an aspiration, it is not heard at any great 
distance. Audubon makes the whole read, “Ah, 
Bob White!” 
The nest of this bird is generally built at the foot 
of a tuft of grass or corn-stalks; it is slightly sunk 
below the surface of the ground, and is composed of 
grass so arranged as to form a sort of oven, with an 
opening at one side. The number of eggs deposited 
in one nest appears to vary from fifteen to twenty- 
four. The young leave the nest immediately upon 
being freed from the shell, and follow their mother 
in search of food, and nestling under her wings in 
the same manner as a brood of young chickens; 
they generally follow her until the succeeding Spring, 
are 8 
