98 THE COMMON PARTRIDGE. 



ever, comparatively seldom witnessed or indeed ex- 

 ercised, for nature has implanted another device in 

 the greater numbers of this family, in which the or- 

 gans of defence are in reality weak, against their 

 many assailants, both animal and feathered. Strata- 

 gem is resorted to, and the parent feigns lameness 

 and even death to withdraw the aggressor. The 

 noise and confusion which occurs when a person 

 suddenly and unawares comes on a young brood of 

 partridges is remarkable. The shrieks 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 tbe 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 to act 

 her part if again discovered. 



Partridge shooting is one of the most esteemed 

 sports of the British fowler ; and when pursued in a 

 sportsman-like manner, with finely bred dogs, is of 

 considerable interest. The county of Norfolk has 

 been long celebrated for the number of its partridges, 

 as well as for her zealous agriculturist, Mr Coke, one 

 of the first shots in the kingdom. The following ac- 

 count from Pierce Egan's anecdotes, will give some 

 idea both of the abundance of the partridge, and the 

 excess to which the sport may be carried 



