364 



TETRAONID^l. 



too, when closely hunted, it takes shelter in a rabbit's burrow 

 or the hole of a tree ; but under ordinary circumstances it 

 runs rapidly before the dogs, and frequently disappoints 

 the sportsman by rising out of shot. The Grey or Common 

 Partridge frequents rich cultivated lands ; the Eed Partridge 

 prefers uncultivated plains, " which summer converts into 

 burning causeways, winter into pools of water monotonous 

 landes, where skeletons of sheep pasture without variation 



TTIK BED-LKOOED PARTRIDGE. 



on heath and the dwarf prickly genista. It delights, too, 

 in bushy ravines, or the steep sides of rocky hills covered 

 with holly, thorns, and brambles ; and when it resorts to 

 vineyards, it selects those situated on the sides of steep 

 slopes, where marigolds and coltsfoot are the principal 

 weeds, rabbits and vipers the most abundant animals." 4 

 Red Partridges are consequently most numerous in the 



* Toussenel. 



