THE MOUNTAIN PARTRIDGE. 



/> nr ^ 



(^ I HIS, one of the most beautiful 



^ I of the Partridges, is much 



OJ I larger and handsomer than 



""*' Bob White, though perhaps 



not so interesting or attractive as a 



game bird. The pretty plumes are 



noticeable in the chick just from the 



egg, in the form of a little tuft of 



down, and their growth is gradual 



until the perfect plumage of the adult 



is obtained. 



The Mountain Partridge is found 

 breeding along the Pacific coast region 

 from California north into Washington. 

 According to the observer Emerson, 

 it is found nesting in the higher 

 mountain ranges, not below four 

 thousand feet. In some portions of 

 Oregon it is very abundant, and would 

 be sought for by the sportsman with 

 great assiduity were the regions that 

 it inhabits more accessible. As it is, 

 it is not only hard to find but very 



difficult to secure when once flushed,, 

 hiding easily from the dogs, who 

 become discouraged by repeated 

 unsuccessful efforts to find it. 



The Mountain Partridge deposits its 

 eggs on the ground, on a bed of dead 

 leaves, under a bush or tuft of grass 

 or weeds. Its habits are exceedingly 

 like those of the Bob White. From six 

 to twelve eggs are laid of a cream color, 

 with a reddish tint. They have b~en 

 described as mineatures of those of 

 the Ruffed Grouse, only distinguishable 

 by their smaller size. 



This Partridge will usually run 

 before the dog, is flushed only with 

 much trouble, and often takes to the 

 trees after being started. California 

 is comparatively destitute of wood 

 except on inaccessible mountain sites 

 and canons, localities preferred by these 

 birds. It is not known to descend 

 to the valleys. 



BOB WHITE. 



" I own the country here about," says Bob White ; 



" At early morn I gayly shout, I'm Bob White ! 



From stubble field and stake-rail fence 



You hear me call, without offense, 



I'm Bob White ! Bob White ! 



Sometimes I think I'll ne'er more say, Bob White ; 



It often gives me quite away, does Bob White ; 



And mate and I, and our young brood, 



When separate wandering through the wood, 



Are killed by sportsmen I invite 



By my clear voice Bob White ! Bob White ! 



Still, don't you find I'm out of sight 



While I am saying Bob White, Bob White ?" 



C. C. M. 



34 



