170 LEWIS'S AMERICAN SPORTSMAN. 



MEMORANDA. 



1. Partridges are not migratory birds, although great numbers 

 show a disposition to shift their quarters at the running season. 



2. The American partridge is not a quail, either in habits, 

 appearance, or the flavor of its flesh 



3. Partridges commence pairing in March ; period of incubation, 

 three weeks. The young are capable of locomotion as soon as 

 freed from the shell, and are able to fly in three or four weeks. 



4. Not susceptible of domestication to any great extent. 



5. Partridges are granivorous, and said to be very partial to 

 buckwheat. 



6. It is not uncommon for them to produce two broods in one 

 season. 



7. Young birds have soft bills, and the legs yellowish or bluish, 

 and lack the cunning of the old birds. 



8. The English bird is much larger than the American variety. 



9. It is of no use to follow running birds, as they will not lie 

 to the dogs. 



10. Partridges the best game to break dogs on. 



11. Partridges are said to have the power of retaining their 

 scent 



12. A dry spring will generally produce plenty of birds the 

 following autumn. 



13. If the weather has been wet and boisterous, look to the high 

 ground for birds ; if, on the contrary, dry and warm, seek the low- 

 lands. 



14. If the morning is fair and clear, the birds will be on the 

 move at an early hour ; if wet and cold, they are loath to stir. 



15. Take the field at as early an hour as possible. Do not be 

 in too great a hurry to get over the ground ; keep cool, and take 

 your time. 



16. Dogs should be taught to hunt up wind and quarter their 

 ground without being bellowed at. 



