THE PAETRIDGE. 75 



thus delighting in the open and cultivated districts, feeding 

 upon all and every species of grain, and thought to be particu- 

 larly partial to Buckwheat. Some suppose that Birds shot from 

 the stubble of this latter grain are superior in flavor to any 

 others. Mr. Skinner, we find, is of this opinion ; and we are 

 also disposed to agree with this accomplished Sportsman, 

 although we must acknowledge that, in making the assertion, 

 we fear that we may be arrogating to ourselves too great a 

 nicety in the gastronomic art, as the delicacy of these Birds is 

 such that it is perhaps impossible to draw so nice a distinction 

 regarding their flavor, no matter where shot, in the fore part of 

 the season. 



Partridges are very fond of Indian corn, and, in a state of 

 captivity, we have found them to eat it in preference to all 

 other kinds of grain save Buckwheat. They are not, however, 

 as often met with in the cornfields during the shooting season 

 as they are in the wheat-stubbles ; but this may be attributed, 

 in a great measure, to the want of sufficient cover in the former, 

 rather than any greater partiality for the latter. Small insects, 

 ants, grasshoppers, &c., are eagerly sought after by these Birds, 

 and in the midst of winter, when the ground is entirely shroud- 

 ed for many inches in depth with snow. Partridges as well as 

 Grouse are forced to eat the fruit, leaves, and tender buds of the 

 mountain laurel (Kalmia Latifolia). This well known evergreen 

 flourishes in every section of our country, being particularly 

 abundant on the sides of hills and mountains. There is also 

 another variety, known as marsh laurel (Kalmia Glauca), that 

 inhabits the low lands, and possesses nearly the same properties 

 as the other species. Some animals partake of these evergreens 

 with impunity, while others are fatally poisoned by the use of 

 them. The Partridge and Grouse both eat of their foliage and 

 berries without any ill consequences to themselves ; but their 

 flesh, it is said, has often been poisoned to such an extent by 

 long indulgence in this food that death, in some rare instances, 

 has resulted from persons partaking of them while in this 

 noxious state. 



Doctor Shoemaker published, some time back, an account of 

 two cases of poisoning, arising from the eating of a Pheasant, 

 whose craw was stuffed with laurel leaves when shot. The 



