150 BRITISH BIRDS' EGGS. 



the brood : when this is attained, their wonted strength is 

 soon recovered, a flight to a considerable distance is taken, 

 but by the time the aggressor has reached the marked spot 

 the bird has again circuitously come up with her charge, and 

 is ready again to act her part if discovered." 



THE RED-LEGGED OR FRENCH PARTRIDGE. Perdix rufa. 

 In England this bird has been naturalized to some extent, 

 but is not so much esteemed for the table as the Common 

 Partridge. It is an abundant species in France and Italy, 

 and is a native also of Guernsey and Jersey. Ifc is a beau- 

 tiful bird, and forms a more considerable nest than the 

 common species, constructing it of dry grass mixed with a 

 few feathers, and raising it a little above the level of the 

 ground. The eggs, usually ten or twelve in number, but 

 sometimes from fifteen to eighteen, are of a pale yellowish 

 colour, spotted and speckled with yellowish-brown. 



THE BARBARY PARTRIDGE. Perdix petrosa. Two spe- 

 cimens of this bird are recorded by Mr. Yarrell as having 

 been met with in this country. This species is found in 

 Africa, as far south as Senegal ; is said to be abundant in 

 Spain, inhabits Provence and Prance, and has been found 

 in Germany, Italy, Greece, and eastward as far as the 

 country of Mount Caucasus. The female chooses barren 



