88 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN. 



dwell longer upon the subject, or be more particular in describ- 

 ing the method of making or setting these traps, which already 

 unfortunately is familiar to every one residing in the country. 

 We sincerely trust that every one perusing these pages will 

 discountenance, as far as in his power, the barbarous and 

 inhuman practice of eating the eggs of the Partridge, and pre- 

 vent the Negroes or others about his farm from desecrating the 

 nests of these interesting Birds. 



DRIVING PARTRIDGES. 



Another mode of catching Partridges, not less fatal to their 

 propagation, if pursued by thoughtless individuals, is much 

 practised by the residents of Virginia, North Carolina, and 

 other Southern and Western States, where these birds are very 

 abundant. It is called Driving, or Netting. This method is so 

 minutely and correctly described by Audubon, in his valuable 

 work on Ornithology, that we will quote his own words on the 

 subject : — 



" A number of persons on horseback, provided with a net, 

 set out in search of Partridges, riding along the fences or 

 thickets which the Birds are known to frequent. One or two 

 of the party whistle in imitation of the call-note, and as Par- 

 tridges are plentiful, the call is soon answered by a covey, 

 when the Sportsmen immediately proceed to ascertain their 

 position and number, seldom considering it worth while to set 

 the net where there are only a few Birds. They approach in a 

 careless manner, talking and laughing as if merely passing by. 

 When the Birds are discovered, one of the party gallops in a 

 circuitous manner, gets in advance of the rest by a hundred 

 yards or more, according to the situation of the Birds and their 

 disposition to run, while the rest of the Sportsmen move about 

 on their horses, talking to each other, but at the same time 

 watching every motion of the covey. The person in advance 

 being provided with the net, dismounts and at once falls to 

 placing it, so that his companions can easily drive the Partridges 

 into it. No sooner is the machine ready than the net-bearer 

 remounts and rejoins the party. The Sportsmen now separate 

 to a short distance, and follow the Partridges, talking and 



