36 THE PARTRIDGE. 



THE PARTRIDGE. 



[Tins bird in the Southern States is called Pheasant.] 



How large is the Partridge? 



The Partridge is a foot and a half long, and nearly 

 two feet in extent, with the wings spread. 



What is its colour ? 



On the back, upper part of the wings, and neck, it 

 is spotted, or variegated with black, reddish brown, 

 pale brown, and white ; on each side of the neck there 

 is a large black spot ; a broad black stripe runs across 

 the tail, on each side of which there is a narrow one 

 of pale blue ; tiie under parts are pale blue spotted 

 with brown. 



Where is the Partridge found ? 



This bird is found in all parts of the United States. 



Of what use is this bird ? 



The Partridge is of considerable use as an article of 

 food. During the fall, and beginning of winter, great 

 numbers of them are taken, either in traps, or snares, 

 and carried to market. 



This beautiful bird lives chiefly among mountains, 

 covered with evergreen trees, such as the pine, hem- 

 lock and laurel. Its place of residence is entirely 

 different from that of the grous. The Partridge 

 loves thick shady places, which are cool in summer, 

 and warm in winter, while the grous prefers open, 

 barren, plains, where it is hot in summer and cold in 

 winter. The grous is never found on the ground 

 occupied by the Partridge, nor is the Partridge often 

 seen on the plains with the grous. 



The habits of the Partridge are very solitary, there 

 being seldom found more than four or five together, 



