206 THE KEEPER'S BOOK 



thorough knowledge of the whereabouts of nests and 

 the number of eggs be obtained, and then the rule 

 followed as to watching, which we have printed in italics. 

 Any diminution of the number of eggs must be care- 

 fully noted and the cause traced to its source. 



With regard to the protection of partridges and 

 their nests, it must be observed, in addition to what is 

 said in the chapter on vermin, that the destruction of 

 the latter is naturally easier in cover which is not too 

 redundant. Accordingly, the " rough ground," " the 

 whins," the banks, and the fences must be loosely 

 planted. If already thick, they must be thinned out. 

 Trees and shrubs must not be too closely planted 

 together. In other words, shelter, or, as it is termed, 

 ' ' cover, " must be sparse and well distributed, full of young 

 vegetation, and well protected from vermin. Where 

 nests are found in the open, it is recommended that " a 

 single strand of wire, about ten inches above the ground, 

 be stretched from stout pegs." This will prevent any 

 fox from crossing the field. Bushing must be carefully 

 attended to, the bushes being liberally distributed and 

 well planted, and careful observation made of any 

 tampering with the position in which they were first 

 placed. The attention of the factor should be called 

 to see that the farmers keep their ditches cleaned, as 

 otherwise, in times of flood or spate, water does not get 

 away, and is apt to flood out the nests. Keepers should 

 prevent the birds from nesting in ditches so foul with 

 undergrowth that water cannot get free flow. 



