THE PARTRIDGE. 71 



although, in proof of the latter assertion, it has been argued that 

 it requires four weeks to hatch the eggs when placed under a 

 common hen. This, however, proves nothing, as the disparity in 

 the time may be accounted for by the circumstance of the par- 

 tridge setting much closer than the domestic fowl, and, conse- 

 quently, generating a larger amount, if not a higher degree, of 

 animal heat. 



The hen bird during the period of incubation becomes quite 

 poor, and undergoes the process of a partial moult, which provides 

 a few downy feathers to assist in keeping the eggs warm during 

 her absence from the nest in quest of food. The young birds 

 are quite strong when they first burst from their narrow confines ; 

 and it is no very uncommon thing for them to be seen running 

 about with a portion of the shell adhering to their backs. While 

 the hen is setting, and even after the birds are hatched, her mate 

 may often be seen early in the mornings, or late in the afternoons, 

 perched on a fence-rail or low limb of a tree, whistling Avith all 

 diligence for a half hour at a time, as if to cheer the female in 

 her arduous and solitary duties. Partridges are strictly mono- 

 gamous; and it is supposed by some that the cock assists the hen 

 in covering the nest; and we incline to the opinion that these 

 birds, in common with many others, do share the cares of hatch- 

 ing the little brood. 



If the weather remains dry and mild after hatching, the young 

 birds will be able to fly in the course of three or four weeks ; if, 

 on the other hand, the season should be backward and inclement, 

 the tender little brood gains strength but slowly, and great numbers 

 consequently will fall victims to the damp and cold while being 

 led about in search of food. 



LEAVING THE NEST. 



As soon as the anxious mother abandons the nest, attended by 

 her nimble little progeny, she is joined by the cock partridge, who 

 gives all his attention to the searching for food and protecting 

 the active little brood from any danger that may beset them. At 



