THE PARTRIDGE. 39 



stance, having only a single young one, she altered 

 her plan, and adopted the most simple and effectual 

 mode of saving it. 



This bird is not easily seen while sitting still among 

 the leaves, and of this she seems to be aware, for she 

 will permit a person, if not seen herself, to come with- 

 in a few yards of her, before she flies. But if seen, 

 and the person skulks along shyly, now and then giv- 

 ing her a look, she will commonly fly before he gets 

 near her. 



In other respects, the Partridge, particularly when 

 young, is so silly as not to make use of the most com- 

 mon means of escape. When a brood, which are just 

 old enough to fly, are started, they usually rise up and 

 light on the nearest tree, and there sit, particularly if 

 much noise is made below, until each one in turn, is 

 shot down by the sportsman. They seem to be so 

 amazed, both at the noise, and at seeing each other 

 fall, as not to have the power of moving. The flesh 

 of this bird has the finest flavour in the months of Sep- 

 tember and October, when they feed on chesnuts and 

 partridge berries. The latter, which are also known 

 under the name of winter-green berries, give their 

 flesh a peculiarly fine flavour. 



The Partridge is twice mentioned in the sacred 

 scriptures. 



When David expostulated with Saul, concerning his 

 cruel and unjust conduct towards him, and particular- 

 ly his pursuit of him from place to place, he says ; 

 " The king of Israel is come out to seek a flea, as 

 when one doth hunt a Partridge, in the mountains," 

 First of Samuel, chap. 26, verse 20. 



