CHAPTER X. PARTRIDGES. 



INTRODUCTION, BREEDING AND REARING. 



rpHE partridge is so ubiquitous that it would be difficult to 

 JL find any large expanse of the country where it is not 

 present. Consequently the introduction of these game birds 

 on lands where they have hitherto not been preserved, nor 

 were present, is an operation seldom required to be carried 

 out. The first matter for consideration is, naturally, the 

 aspect of the country, and, unless that be suitable it will 

 be found impossible to introduce partridges. As a rule, ex- 

 ceptions to which do not often occur, it may be said that 

 where partridges already are, they can be increased, and an 

 occasional covey or two in a given locality may always be 

 taken as a proof that it is a suitable one whereon to attempt 

 their introduction. This can but consist in turning away 

 a number of couples of birds in the spring at mating time, 

 say the month of March, or even April, provided the birds 

 have not already paired, which are turned down. Partridges 

 can be obtained anywhere and at a reasonable figure, and 

 the only point in the choosing which requires observing 

 is to obtain birds from localities possessing similar, but 



