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 THE VIRGINIAN PARTRIDGE. 



PERDIX VIRGINIANAi Lath. 

 PLATE LXXVI. Male, Female, and Young. 



The common name given to this bird in the Eastern and Middle 

 Districts of our Union is that of Quail, but in the Western and Southern 

 States, the more appropriate appellation of Partridge is bestowed upon 

 it. It is abundantly met with in all parts of the United States, but more 

 especially towards the interior. In the States of Ohio and Kentucky, 

 where they are very abundant, they are to be seen in the markets, both 

 dead and alive, in large quantities. 



This species performs occasional migrations from the north-west to the 

 south-east, usually in the beginning of October, and somewhat in the man- 

 ner of the Wild Turkey. For a few weeks at this season, the northwest- 

 ern shores of the Ohio are covered with flocks of Partridges. They ram- 

 ble through the woods along the margin of the stream, and generally fly 

 across towards evening. Like the Turkeys, many of the weaker Par- 

 tridges often fall into the water, while thus attempting to cross, and ge- 

 nerally perish ; for although they swim surprisingly, they have not mus- 

 cular power sufficient to keep up a protracted struggle, although, when 

 they have fallen within a few yards of the shore, they easily escape being 

 drowned. I have been told by a friend that a person residing in Phila- 

 delphia had a hearty laugh on hearing that I had described the Wild 

 Turkey as swimming for some distance, when it had accidentally fallen 

 into the water. But be assured, kind reader, almost every species of 

 land-bird is capable of swimming on such occasions, and you may easily 

 satisfy yourself as to the accuracy of my statement by throwing a Turkey, 

 a Common Fowl, or any other bird into the water. As soon as the Par- 

 tridges have crossed the principal streams in their way, they disperse in 

 flocks over the country, and return to their ordinary mode of life. 



The flight of these birds is generally performed at a short distance 

 from the ground. It is rapid, and is continued by numerous quick flaps 

 of the wings for a certain distance, after which the bird sails until about 

 to alight, when again it flaps its wings to break its descent. When chased 

 by dogs, or started by any other enemy, they fly to the middle branches 



