FOOD FOR YOUXG BIRDS. 19 



the hen birds are held inviolate ; and the gamekeepers 

 liave always expressed great satisfaction at the event, 

 as they all agree in declaring that hen birds thus meta- 

 morphosed destroyed more pheasants' eggs than any 

 vermin whatever. 



In rearing young partridges under a hen, the follow- 

 ing method should be adopted : When the hen has sat 

 the regular time, if the young do not appear, the feathers 

 are glued to the inner surface of the shell, from being 

 exposed to too great heat from the hen. 



" To remedy this, dip the eggs five or six minutes in 

 water, and the moisture will soak through the shell and 

 loosen the feathers ; and this kind of bathing may also 

 refresh the young bird, and give it additional strength 

 to break its prison." It is said that the partridge bred 

 under a hen retains through life the habit of calling 

 when it hears the clucking of hens. The first food for 

 the young partridge is the eggs of the small ant ; after- 

 wards fresh curd mixed with lettuce, chickweed, and 

 groundsel ; it will be some time before they "will eat grain 

 readily. The partridge, when brought up in this tame 

 way, seldom forgets its wild origin ; and when arrived at 

 its full growth, soon acqviires a habit of estranging itself 

 from the house, however intimately it may have con- 

 nected itself with the place and its inhabitants in the 

 early stages of its existence. 



However, Daniel mentions one instance to the con- 

 trary, of one which had been reared by the Eev. Mr. Bird. 

 This, long after its full growth, attended the parlour at 

 breakfast and other times, received food from any hand 

 that would condescend to give it ; stretched itself be- 

 fore, and seemed much to enjoy the warmth of the fire ; 

 and at lensfth fell a victim to the decided foe of all 



