THE OBJECTS OF SPORT. 271 



veritable partridge though smaller than the Eng- 

 lish partridge, or the red-legged partridge of Spain. 

 Eaten in October or November, when just full 

 fledged, and fresh from the gleanings of the pea- 

 field, they are a great dainty, though I am not 

 prepared to bestow on them the same extravagant 

 commendation as was given by an enthusiast to 

 the red-legged bird of Spain viz. : " that it should 

 be eaten with none but champagne sauce, and in no 

 posture but on one's knees through thankful- 

 ness." This bird, delicate as it is undoubtedly is, 

 is not more valued by the epicure, on the table, 

 than by the sportsman in the field. The coveys 

 leave the thick covers during the afternoon, and 

 feed in the open land, preferring the pea-fields to 

 all other range. They stand the point in these open 

 grounds, until the hunter approaches as near as he 

 pleases, and yield him capital sport. They breed 

 in May, making their nests on the ground, and lay- 

 ing as many as twenty-one eggs. If my observa- 

 tion serves me faithfully, I should say, that unlike 

 all or nearly all other game, they have increased 

 instead of diminishing with the clearing of the coun- 

 try. The extensive grain fields furnish them with 

 ample subsistence ; and it may be, that while man 

 has increased his means of annoyance, that from 

 birds and beasts of prey has, in greater proportion, 



