THE PARTRIDGE. 77 



same spot for several successive nights. We have often observed 

 these birds arranged in this curious manner, and, when kept up 

 during winter in cages, they will be found to place themselves in 

 this position every night about roosting-time, or even when huddling 

 together during the day. 



FOOD. 



The partridge is granivorous, and, in the words of the old poet — 



"Soon as the lab'ring horse, with swelling veins, 

 Hath safely housed the farmer's doubtful gains, 

 To sweet repast the unwary partridge flies, 

 With joy amid the scattered harvest lies ;" 



thus delighting in the open and cultivated districts, feeding upon 

 all and every species of grain, and thought to be particularly par- 

 tial to buckwheat. Some suppose that birds shot from the stubble 

 of this latter grain are superior in flavor to any others. Mr. 

 Skinner, we find, is of this opinion ; and we are also disposed to 

 agree with this accomplished sportsman, although we must acknow- 

 ledge that, in making the assertion, we may be arrogating to our- 

 selves too great a nicety in the gastronomic art; for the delicacy 

 of these birds is such that it is, perhaps, impossible to draw so 

 nice a distinction regarding their flavor, no matter where shot, in 

 the fore part of the season. 



Partridges are very fond of Indian corn, and in a state of cap- 

 tivity we have seen them eat it in preference to all other kinds of 

 grain save buckwheat. They are not, however, as often met with 

 in the cornfields during the shooting season as they are in the 

 wheat-stubbles ; but this may be attributed, in a great measure, to 

 the want of suflficient cover in the former, rather than any greater 

 partiality for the latter. Small insects, ants, grasshoppers, &c. 

 are eagerly sought after by these birds ; and in the midst of winter, 

 when the ground is entirely shrouded for many inches in depth 

 with snow, partridges as well as grouse are forced to eat the fruit, 

 leaves, and tender buds of the mountain laurel, (kalmia latifolia.) 



