74 FRANK SCHLEY'S PARTRIDGE AND PHEASANT SHOOTING. 



FLIGHT OF THE PABTKIDGE. 



JIIE Partridge is one of the swiftest birds on the 

 wing that exists. There are but few birds that I am 

 aware of that can excel them in rapidity of flight. 

 The Partridge, when springing from the ground, and 

 when on the wing, makes a loud whirring noise. This 

 sound is produced by the construction, and rapid motion 

 of the wings. On rising from the ground and going off, 

 the Partridge flies by a succession of quick flaps, until 

 they get under full headway; they then spread their 

 wings and sail with wonderful rapidity, on well balanced 

 pinions, usually lowering as they go until nearing the 

 ground, then sail in a straight direction, or turn to the 

 right, or to the left, and sweep around, where they break 

 their fall by a few more quick flaps of the wings. With 

 wonderful speed and command of wing, the American Par- 

 tridge will fly and dart through the most intricate, entan- 

 gled thicket, or brake, and even the silent leaves are often 

 made to tremble by the electric speed of the wings of this 

 passing bird, and it seldom makes a mistake, or gets en- 

 tangled through vines, boughs, or bushes, that often inter- 

 cept the flight of other birds. On being suddenly flushed 

 the Partridge rises from the ground into the air, with 

 great rapidity, and will rise from three to ten feet at its 

 first spring. As the season advances, the Partridge rises 

 wilder and swifter, on being disturbed, especially if their 

 alarm and fright be very great. Their slowest flight is in 

 the morning on first being found. Their swiftest and long- 

 est flights are made when flying with the wind, and fleeing 

 from fright and danger, after having been shot at. To kill 

 them flying at this rate of speed, you will have to bestir 

 yourself very swiftly, yet deliberately withal, and must 



