THE PARTRIDGE. 207 



strangely in contrast with their spring-tide pugnacity and 

 boldness. 



Partridges are abundant in the temperate regions of 

 Europe. They are vegetable feeders, living upon seeds, 

 buds, and the succulent parts of herbaceous plants. In 

 their habits they are timorous and retiring; they run 

 with gTeat speed ; and their flight, which is quick and of 

 considerable extent, is accompanied by a loud whirring 



PARTRIDGE AND BROOD. 



sound. They are much esteemed for their flesh, which in 

 all ages and in all civilized countries seems to have pleased 

 the epicurean palate. The partridge is easily alarmed, 

 and the footfall of an intruder startles it from its covert 

 in the brake, when it rises immediately, eagerly flapping 

 its wings, and yearning to escape. But the hen-bird loses 

 her timidity when the safety of her young is at stake. 

 She sits upon her eggs with the greatest assiduity, and 



