PARTRIDGE. 373 



the Pigeon tribe. They breed throughout 

 the greater portion of the year, and though 

 laying only two eggs, which are snow- 

 white, at a time, increase with extreme 

 rapidity. They should have a small box 

 placed near the top of the cage, and be 

 supplied with small twigs and hay, and a 

 little wool, with which to form their pests. 

 Their song, if it may be so called, is a 

 long and rather monotonous "coo," con- 

 tinued for a length of time, and of an 

 extremely mournful character, yet when 

 given the bird is always exulting in happi- 

 ness, beside the cherished partner of his 

 bosom. 



CHAPTER III. 



PARTRIDGE. Ortyx Virginiana. 



Of this favourite and sociable bird but 

 little need be said, as all ages and condi- 



