168 THE PARTRIDGE 



them from the ground. They then turn, and, 

 with the slope before them and the full force 

 of the wind behind, fly at high speed, and 

 with little noise and exertion, down into the 

 valley, where, utilising the momentum gained 

 in their descent, they wheel, and thus baffle 

 any pursuer following the first evident direction 

 of their flight and hoping to find them again 

 by a forward " cast." Sportsmen out shooting 

 on the winter stubbles are nonplussed time after 

 time by this simple expedient, and, failing to 

 observe the turn of the partridges' flight, hasten 

 to the bottom of the valley. Afterwards, keenly 

 expectant, they search each likely place along the 

 lower part of the hill ; but, meanwhile, the birds, 

 having rested there for an hour or so, return to 

 the fields where they were flushed. 



When abroad on the hills in the wet winter 

 weather I have repeatedly found partridges on 

 the east side of hedges in bare spots beyond 

 the drift of the trees, and yet sufficiently near 

 to the bank to be screened from the driving 

 showers. They have hurried for a considerable 

 distance through the ditch directly the setter, 

 facing them against the wind, came to point, 

 and, drawing the dog slowly after them and out 

 of the dangerous position he at first occupied, 

 have taken flight, when the way was clear, to 

 the valley. When surprised at night, part- 



