106 PARTRIDGES 



to it. This plan was said to have been a 

 complete success for four years, the fox 

 not venturing to pass between the flag 

 and the fence, and thus missing the nest. 

 Still, with partridge eggs at 5 a hundred, 

 many keepers would deem it an over- 

 risky expedient to flag their nests like so 

 many putting greens on a golf course, and 

 as easily located. 



Old and unset iron traps scattered 

 round the nest are a common device, or an 

 old chain laid all round the nest, which 

 latter is said to form a magic circle 

 through which no fox will ever pass: 

 both these should be well handled at 

 frequent intervals. Stable lanterns sus- 

 pended a foot or so above the ground, 

 with cheap roasting-jacks attached to 

 them, have also been recommended as 

 efficient protection during the night. 



All these devices can be profitably 

 employed on occasion, but it is very 

 doubtful if any one of them could per- 

 manently be trusted to protect nests. 

 The keeper who would outwit his wily 



