566 BIRDS OF INDIA. 



" From the beginning of October, Chuckore shooting, from the 

 frequency and variety of the shots, and the small amount of 

 fatigue attending it, is to one partial to such sport perhaps the most 

 pleasant of any thing of the kind in the hills. About some of 

 the higher villages, ten or a dozen brace may be bagged in a few 

 hours. Dogs may be used or not at the discretion of the Sports- 

 man ; they are not at all necessary, and if at ali wild are more in 

 the way than otherwise." 



"The male," says Major Brown,* "is very bold, and is tamed 

 for the purpose of fighting. In a domesticated state, he makes 

 no hesitation in offering battle to every animal, and pecks very 

 fiercely, always searching for a tender part ; the nose of a dog, 

 or the naked feet of the native servants immediately attract his 

 attention, and he soon makes the object of his attack fain to run." 

 " When reclaimed" says another writer in the same periodical 

 " this bird is peculiarly bold, fearless, and entertaining. It trots 

 about the house, and is as familiar as a little dog. It is amusing 

 to see its antipathy to quick motions in others. It will follow a 

 servant who hurries into a room, pecking at his heels, scouring 

 away when he attempts to turn upon it. It is still more perse- 

 vering against the poor wight who moves backwards and for- 

 wards as he pulls the punkah. Half asleep at his task, he is 

 roused by a fierce attack on his legs. He attempts to continue 

 his work, and at the same time to drive away the intruder, but 

 it is of no use ; and he is at last obliged to call for assistance 

 to rid him of his persecutor." 



The Hen-chukor lays from eight to fifteen eggs, of a creamy 

 white, according to one writer ; pure white according to Adams ; 

 and the male bird is said to remain near the nest during incubation, 

 and may be heard calling all day, its call much resembling that 

 of the domestic hen, being a ' cuc-cuc often repeated, and the 

 Cashmeeres call it hau-kau from its cry. The Affghans call it 

 the Fire-eater. It is considered to be excellent eating. In 

 Ladak it is said to be numerous in the cultivated part of the 

 country, and is there called Nek-pa. 



* Beng. Sport. M g. 



