84 Proceedings of the Royal Physiccd Society. 



witli a white spot, and in the coloration of the soft parts. 

 This is constant in all the examples we obtained. We also 

 procured the eggs. Before naming this species, if species it 

 be, it will be necessary to compare a larger series of specimens 

 than we at present possess." 



II. — Partridges (Francolinus) in South Africa : Notes on that 

 Game in the Winterherg District. By W. T. Black, Esq., 

 Surgeon-Major. 



Many sportsmen estimate the pursuit of this kind of small 

 game as a much more agreeable pastime than hunting the 

 larger quadrupedal animals, and it approaches nearly in 

 character what grouse shooting is on Scottish and English 

 moors and mountains. 



The Cape Partridge is different from the English one, and 

 is called a Frcmcolin, of which there are two species known 

 to sport, the Francolinus Afer, or Greywing Partridge, and F. 

 Levaillantii, or Redioing Partridge, and the genus is distin- 

 guished by the birds having longer and stouter beaks and 

 more developed tail than the others have, and generally by 

 the stout spurs or tiibercles on their legs. 



They may be found over most parts of South Africa, fre- 

 quenting the grassy undulating, or scrubby plains, and moun- 

 tain summits, and intervening valleys, and dells, the Eedwing 

 Partridge preferring the more sheltered and grassy localities, 

 and the Greywing the more bleak and rugged country. 



The pursuit of the Partridge shooting is carried out most plea- 

 santly by a small party, moving about the open country with 

 waggon, and tents, and servants, and being mounted on good 

 shooting ponies, with a brace and half of dogs, etc. A great 

 extent of the wilderness has to be traversed, so that walking 

 is out of the question, till the covies are found, when the 

 sportsman jumps off his horse, leaves him to graze, and follows 

 the dogs on the scent of the game. As may be imagined, there 

 can be no better shooting, and the quantity bagged can never 

 be colossal, but the enjoyment is greater in proportion as the 

 sportsmen revel in mountain breezes, and magnificent scenery. 



The Bediuing . Partridge is larger and heavier than the 

 Greywing, more handsomely ornamented in plumage, and has 



