98 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN. 



PREDICTIONS REGARDING GAME. 



An observant Sportsman will, or rather should, be able to 

 predict, with some degree of certainty, the probable abundance 

 or scarcity of game, according to the mildness or severity of 

 the previous winter, the dryness or wetness of the spring, and 

 many other concomitant circumstances that influence the habits 

 of game Birds in different localities. 



HAUNTS OF PARTRIDGES. 



If the day be fine and clear, the Birds will be found on the 

 wing at a very early hour; if, on the other hand, it should be 

 wet and cold, they seem very loath to leave their roosting-places, 

 delaying their flights as long as possible, even until the day is 

 far advanced. And, if rain should set in, they will, most gene- 

 rally, desert the open fields entirely, and take to the woods and 

 thickets for protection. 



"Or when the country floats with sudden rains, 

 Or driving mists deface the moistened plains, 

 In vain his toils the unskilful Fowler tries, 

 While in thick woods the feeding Partridge lies " 



If the weather has been dry and warm for several days pre- 

 vious to going out, it would be perfect folly to hunt on the 

 hills where there is a scarcity of water. And, in like manner, 

 if the season has been wet, it would be equally ridiculous to 

 wade through the low grounds, as these Birds neither affect 

 very dry situations or wet localities, but, on the contrary, pre- 

 fer rich stubble-fields in the immediate vicinity of a clear run- 

 ning stream, to which they love to resort to quench their thirst 

 after the morning's feeding, and preen themselves for awhile in 

 the noonday sun. If the weather be boisterous and windy, 

 without rain. Partridges may most frequently be found on the 

 edge of close cover, or on the sides of rising ground, where 

 they betake themselves for shelter. On such days, they will 

 lie very badly, and will not suffer the approach of a Dog, 

 although a quiet old Dog will occasionally get right on top of 

 a covey, owing to the wind carrying all noise off from the 



