Using Artificial Eggs. 29 



and this goes to prove how keenly the bird 

 searches for a nesting site. 



Artificial eggs have long been used in con- 

 nection with pheasants, but only during recent 

 years has their value for partridges received 

 partial recognition. The liking of a partridge for 

 nesting on the fringe of a thick hedge, when she 

 would be far safer in the centre, is peculiar but 

 beyond dispute ; and her discovery by a fox at 

 such a spot is difficult to prevent, because he is so 

 close. 



When partridges mate each pair takes up a 

 certain plot of ground on which the birds intend 

 to nest, and when one pair is noticed to occupy 

 continually a field, or part of a field, it is a 

 certainty that they will remain there to breed if 

 not driven away. Having located a pair the 

 keeper should select the most dense portion of 

 an adjacent fence, and right in the centre form 

 a saucer-like depression with a shaped rammer; 

 in it two artificial partridge eggs must be placed 

 on a few dead leaves or a little dry grass. This 

 should be done about the second week in April, 

 or earlier or later according to the forwardness of 

 the season and of the locality. Leave the eggs 

 fully exposed and visit the spot every two or three 

 days to see what has happened. When the 



