62 THE PHEASANT SUBFAMILY 



similar predilections is rather a matter of inference than of definite 

 observation. A curious point, which may fittingly be referred to here, 

 concerns the roosting or "jugging" habits of the English partridge, 

 on which, strangely enough, diametrically opposed assertions have 

 been made. It is generally asserted that this bird at night resorts, in 

 coveys, to the most open spots available, and there forming a circle, 

 with the heads facing outwards, they sleep, prepared, as well as sleeping 

 birds can be, to meet prowling carnivores at any point. Yet no less 

 an authority than Mr. J. G. Millais assures us that in this magic 

 circle the birds sleep with the heads facing inwards. Now it seems 

 clear that both assertions must be based rather on inference than on 

 actual observation. The particular inference seems to have been 

 founded on the assertion that at such roosting-places the mutings, or 

 droppings, are arranged in a circle. It is difficult to find any proof of 

 this, and from what is known of the behaviour of birds roosting on the 

 ground, they would all turn head to windward. Only, it is said, when 

 the ground is covered in deep snow does the partridge seek some 

 large low bough for its nightly rest. In how far the redlegged 

 species agrees with the English or " common " partridge in this matter 

 of roosting habits I can find no records. 



Neither the English nor the French partridge are migratory birds 

 in the strict sense of the word, yet in both local migratory movements 

 have been recorded. The former is said, regularly, to cross the 

 Solway Firth from the slopes of the Dumfriesshire hills to the new 

 cultivated area of the Cambrian Plain, every autumn ; while Millais 

 tells us that every year a few broods of " hill " partridges reared in 

 the Perthshire mountains about Dalhousie return to the lower straths 

 at the beginning of winter. 



These movements, be it noted, relate to birds in their northern- 

 most range, and take place apparently to escape the rigours of winter. 

 The French partridge, on the other hand, seems to show at least 

 incipient, or perhaps vestigial, migratory movements during the 

 spring. We suggest vestigial because they may be remnants of 



