THE PARTKIDGE. 91 



if not struck in some vital part, and even with a broken wing 

 will frequently escape the pursuit of both Huntsman and Dog. 



BEST TO BREAK DOGS ON. 



The Partridge, most unquestionably, is the finest Bird we 

 have to break our Dogs on, and being once broken to this kind 

 of shooting, thej can soon be taught to seek for any other kind 

 of game, such as Woodcocks, Snipes, or Grouse. In hunting 

 these Birds, the Dog learns a degree of boldness, as well as care, 

 that cannot be acquired on any other kind of game, as none feed 

 so widely, or leave so long a trail of scent behind them, which 

 the Dog winds a considerable distance off, and thus learns cau- 

 tion, ease, and delicacy in approaching his victims, knowing full 

 well, from sad experience, the chastisement that would follow 

 any heedlessness or undue precipitation on his part ; but rather 



"Against the wind he takes his prudent way, 

 While the strong gale directs him to the prey ; 

 Now the warm scent assures the covey near ; 

 He treads with caution, and he points with fear." 



Gay, Rural Sports. 



COVEYS THAT WILL NOT LIE. 



It is seldom attended with much success to follow after 

 coveys that will not lie close, but are continually rising, and 

 flying straight away at the least alarm. Such Birds are sure 

 to be either a travelling party, or they have already been shot 

 at a great deal too much to afford any sport. The only likely 

 way of getting a shot at them would be to circle entirely around 

 them, and then the chances are much against your being able 

 to close on them before they again take wing. 



RETAINING SCENT. 



It has frequently been observed by every Sportsman that 

 the very best of Dogs, at times, cannot find Partridges, even 

 when marked down in the most open ground, and are known to 

 be secreted immediately around the spot where the Dogs are 

 put to hunt. This fact has been a mystery for years to some 



