210 THE KEEPER'S BOOK 



frightened away either by mowing machines or by other 

 intruders. 



(3) In cases where the eggs are found nested in 

 positions of danger, or where in the judgment of the 

 keeper they are lying in too exposed a position. 



(4) In cases where two hens have laid in the same 

 nest and quarrel as to the right of taking sole control 

 of the eggs. 



There are circumstances where a very careful and 

 observant keeper may be able to say definitely that 

 certain eggs have just been laid. If he can trust to 

 the accuracy of his knowledge in such cases, and if he 

 be faced with any of the four conditions mentioned 

 above, he may transfer the eggs to the nests of other 

 birds which have not begun to brood, and which have 

 not already their full supply of eggs that is to say, 

 not more than eighteen or twenty. 



The eggs for artificial rearing may either be eggs 

 collected from the nests of partridges on the estate, or 

 may be bought from recognised English game farms. 

 In the former case it is sometimes necessary, in the 

 latter always so, to test if an egg is still fertile. This 

 is done by putting the egg into water. If still fertile 

 it will sink to the bottom of the vessel used, if addled 

 it will float. It will be observed that occasionally the 

 larger end of the egg tends to point upwards and not 

 to be quite flat at the bottom. This indicates that the 

 egg is rather stale. The old adage may be quoted, 

 The fresher the flatter. 



