THE PARTRIDGE. 9o 



laws by those who are tempted from mercenary considerations, we 

 have seen the tables of many of our most worthy — but, at the same 

 time, most thoughtless, on this point at least — citizens fairly 

 groaning under the weight of partridges, as well as ruffed and 

 pinnated grouse, during the month of February, — a portion of the 

 interdicted period for the sale of all these descriptions of game.* 



As long, then, as such open transgressions of the law are per- 

 mitted by the authorities and such glaring derelictions of duty in- 

 dulged in by our otherwise best citizens, it were useless for us to 

 hope any thing on the score of humanity towards the preservation 

 of game by our thrifty farmers. "For they, unfortunately, with 

 the rest of mankind, are deeply inoculated with the "auri sacra 

 fames" of the present day, and cannot withstand the temptation 

 of gain when so alluringly held out to them. 



That section of the city ordinance to which we refer is as 

 follows: — 



•' That no person shall sell or expose to sale, within the city of 

 Philadelphia, any grouse, partridge, or pheasant, between the 1st 

 of February and the 1st of October, nor any woodcock between 

 the 1st of February and the 1st of July, under penalty of five 

 dollars and of forfeiting the articles so sold or exposed for sale." 



The act of Asseinbly is of similar import, and prohibits the kill- 

 ing of these birds within the prescribed periods, under a penalty 

 of ten dollars for each infringement of the law. 



Analogous legislative enactments are in existence in the adjoin- 

 ing States of Delaware, New Jersey, and Maryland, but, we fear, 

 are quite as nugatory in their action as those of Pennsylvania. 

 Now, in conclusion of this subject, we sincerely trust that all 

 sportsmen and others interested in the preservation of this charm- 

 ing bird, which enlivens the spring and summer months by his 



* By the game-laws of Illinois and others of the Western States, every person is 

 liable to a fine of fifteen dollars who shall kill, ensnare, or trap any deer, fawn, 

 wild turkey, grouse, prairie-chickens, or partridges, between the 15th of January 

 and the 1st of August. How then can the authorities in Philadelphia permit, or 

 our citizens countenance, the sale of such game, coming, as it does, from these 

 States during this period of prohibition ? 



