104 THE COMMON PARTRIDGE. 



contest, that they actually held the crow till it was 

 seized, and taken from them, by the spectator of 

 the scene. Upon search, the young birds (very 

 lately hatched) were found concealed amongst the 

 grass. It would appear, therefore, that the crow, 

 a mortal enemy to all kinds of young game, in at- 

 tempting to carry off one of these, had been attacked 

 by the parent birds, and with the above singular 

 success." Such displays are, however, comparatively 

 seldom witnessed, or indeed exercised, for nature 

 has implanted another device in the greater num- 

 ber of this family, in which the organs of defence 

 are in reality weak, against their many assailants. 

 Stratagem is resorted to, and the parent feigns lame- 

 ness, and even death, to withdraw the aggressor. The 

 noise and confusion which occurs when a person sud- 

 denly, and unawares, comes on a young brood of par- 

 tridges, is remarkable. The screams of the parents, 

 apparently tumbling and escaping away with broken 

 legs and wings, is well acted, and often succeeds in 

 withdrawing the dog, and his young attendant, be- 

 yond the possibility of discovering the hiding places 

 of the brood. When this is attained, their wonted 

 strength is soon recovered, a flight to a considerable 

 distance is taken but by the time the aggressor has 

 reached the marked spot, the bird has again circui- 

 tously come up with her charge, and is ready again 

 to act her part if discovered. 



During the breeding season, all the colours of the 

 plumage of the Partridge become deeper, and in the 

 male, the skin above the eyes showing a modification 



