42 PARTRIDGES 



of the insect world are assiduously sought 

 for and devoured, the chicks soon learning 

 to follow the clucking call of the hen in 

 their humble forays, and to answer with 

 a little chirp of their own, so feeble as to 

 be almost imperceptible to our ruder ears. 



On these expeditions the cock generally 

 looks after the safety of the party, running 

 on a few yards ahead, and giving a low 

 note of encouragement when he is satisfied 

 that all is well around and above them. 



The young birds grow apace, can fly 

 when only a few days old and little bigger 

 than sparrows, and should no casualties 

 have thinned their numbers have, after a 

 week, grown too big for the hen to cover 

 all at once, some then being entrusted to 

 the sheltering wing of the cock. 



Both cock and hen are assiduous and 

 unremitting in the care and attention they 

 give to their family. In the face of 

 danger they will display a singular devo- 

 tion to duty. Naturally timid in disposi- 

 tion, when with their young they develop 

 a rare courage, and besides the time- 



