Notes on Breeding the Common Black Francolin. 343


surprised to see the old bird feed both the young ones at once.

No. 1 being then nearly seven weeks old. As this seems to be a

rather interesting fact, I may mention that on all the occasions

when I saw the younger one fed, the elder one always had its

share; the last time I noticed this being on July 29th. No. 1

then being between nine and ten weeks old and hardly inferior

to its parents in size. I cannot say too much for the remarkable

amiability of this species, most Pigeons cast off the first brood as

soon as a second one arrives. I have even seen young badly

pecked by their parents, but the “Partridges” seem to live on

perfectly friendly terms with the young of any number of broods.

At the time of writing (24. 8. 08) the parents seem perfectly

friendly with both the two first young, though there are two

younger ones which have just left the nest, all six roosting in a

group together.


f To be continuedJ.



NOTES ON BREEDING THE COMMON BLACK

FRANCOLIN.


Fi'ancolinns vulgaris.


I am told that the hens of this species are very seldom

imported. The cocks, I believe, very often pass as “ painted

Francolins.”


A friend sent me several birds of both sexes from India

early last spring but only one pair survived. I placed this pair

in an open grass run (about 8yds. by 6yds.) partly planted with

broom, laurels, etc., and already occupied by three Amherst

Pheasants and one Rock Partridge.


The Francolins very soon settled down and fed fearlessly

on meal, corn, or almost anything that was given to the

pheasants. The cock Francolin during April and May was

incessant, morning and evening, with his repeated cry “ Kek-i-

kek-i-kek” always stopping in his walk and throwing his head

back and opening his bill very wide when making his note, as

though his voice were several sizes too large for him. It is a

question to my mind whether this bird may not have been used

in India as a call-bird.



