144 PARTRIDGE. 



stated, but no doubt generally earlier, especially in the 

 south, though often later. In 1874, in February, in 

 Scotland. 'A Partridge's nest was found at Thistle- 

 wood, Cumberland, the other day, containing seventeen 

 Partridge's eggs and six common hen's eggs. Strange 

 to say, a Partridge and a hen were found sitting 

 together upon the nest.' Yorkshire Gazette, June, 

 1865. 



'It is a curious fact,' says Mr. Jesse, 'that when 

 young Partridges are hatched and have left the nest, 

 the two portions of each shell will be found placed 

 the one within the other. I believe that this is inva- 

 riably the case. This is doubtless done by the chicks 

 themselves in their last successful effort to escape from 

 prison.' Only one brood is reared in the year, unless 

 indeed the first nest be destroyed, and so a third, if 

 the second happen to be, but in these cases the eggs 

 are fewer, and the young are said to be less strong. 



