THE PARTRIDGE. 93 



fact, and, after frequent and earnest observation, I adopted the 

 conclusion already given. 



I will state some of my observations and experiments. Pre- 

 cise dates are of no consequence, as the facts are general, and 

 open to the study of all who are interested. It is now twenty 

 years since I was one day in company with my friend and com- 

 panion, the late learned Ornithologist, Alexander Wilson, assist- 

 ing him in his endeavors after the Birds of this country. We 

 encountered a well-appointed party of gentlemen, who were 

 shooting Partridges. They had seven Dogs, apparently of the 

 best quality. They were in a large stubble-field, having small 

 patches of low bushes and briers in several places. From one 

 of these was flushed a very large covey of Partridges, which, 

 after having been rigorously fired upon, settled nearly in the 

 centre of the field, in a place slightly depressed, where the 

 stubble was unusually high, with rank clover underneath. The 

 Sportsmen pursued with due caution, giving the proper instruc- 

 tions and ample time to the Dogs. Some of the Birds were 

 put up and killed, but not near as many as had taken refuge 

 there. After considerable search, the party left the ground. 

 Why so few of the Birds were roused puzzled me exceedingly, 

 and I, in common with every one, censured the Dogs. Imme- 

 diately adjacent to the stubble was a body of open woodland, 

 in which Mr. Wilson was several hours engaged in his usual 

 ardent study into the habits and manners of a number of small 

 birds sporting in it. On our return home, we crossed the stubble 

 directly past the spot where the Partridges had been hunted by 

 the Sportsmen. As we approached it, a Bird flew up, and soon 

 after another, and another, until five went off". I expressed my 

 surprise to Mr. Wilson, who dismissed the matter by supposing 

 that the stronger scent from the feet of so many men had trans- 

 cended that of the Birds, and bewildered the Dogs. Having 

 been an anxious witness to the whole scene, I was not satisfied 

 with this explanation, but believed the Dogs to have been in 

 fault. After the lapse of a few years, I became exceedingly 

 given to field sports, and was in possession of several fine Dogs. 

 It often happened that many Dogs could not find Partridges, 

 even when I had marked them settle and conducted them to it, 

 especially when the cover was of thick and matted grass. In 



