PARTRIDGE SHOOTING. 159 



After having filled their crops, towards eve- 

 ning they make a single flight from the stubbles 

 to the spot selected for the roost, on which they 

 alight in a body, nestle close, and stir not again 

 until dawn. Although frequently found in the 

 narrow strips of grass which the mowers leave 

 in a line with the fence, they are careful to avoid 

 roosting near these, and to choose, as near as 

 possible, the very centre of the field. These facts 

 are strongly illustrative of the self-preservative 

 instinct, sharpened into intelligence by the diffe- 

 rent dangers, to which, sleeping or waking, the 

 bird is continually exposed. To escape from 

 man and other enemies who pursue them by 

 day, they pitch hurriedly into bush or thicket ; 

 but when the stealthy prowlers of the wood are 

 abroad, the covey, sitting on an elevated spot 

 in the middle of the field, in a circle of less than 

 twelve inches in diameter, sleep comparatively 

 secure under the wing of night. 



But there is yet another fact connected with 

 the roost, which challenges our attention. Many 

 of the feathered tribes bury their heads in their 

 plumage on the approach of evening. Even the 

 restless sea-bird, which, it has been said, never 

 sleeps, has been seen riding the wild waves with 

 its head under its wing. But the partridge after 



