AMERICAN PAKTKIDGE. 



This family has recently been increased in number by the 

 addition of several interesting and beautiful species. Three 

 or four additional varieties have been discovered in California 

 and New Mexico. The plumage of all the species is plain, and 

 the tints mostly sombre, but of such exquisite Mendings as to 

 give them high rank for beauty. To those who reside in the 

 country the common American partridge is no stranger. It 

 often frequents the barn-yard in winter, appropriating part of 

 the food intended for the fowls. It builds its nest at the foot 

 of a tuft of grass, or corn-stalks, and deposits from fifteen to 

 twenty eggs. The young leave the nest almost as soon as they 

 escape from the shell ; they follow their mother in search of 

 food, and nestle under her wings, the same as a brood of 

 young chickens. They evince strong attachment for their 

 kind, and keep in flocks ranging from ten to thirty, and even 

 more. The food of this species consists mainly of seeds and 

 berries, although many insects are devoured during the breed- 

 ing period. Many of these birds migrate to the South during 

 the autumn ; others seek deep woods, where they find shelter 

 and provision. The flocks break up about the middle of 

 March, and the season of mating begins. The period of incu- 

 bation is about eighteen days. There are two broods in a 

 season. The second brood appears in the latter part of July, 

 or the beginning of August. The color of the partridge, like 

 that of many other birds, is often its protection. Often when 

 pursued, they will seek an old stubble-field, and sinking to the 

 ground, they escape detection, their color harmonizing so well 

 with that of the mould and decayed vegetable matter. 



(ill) 



