LOVE AND COURTSHIP _ 33 
os 
like manner to her treasures and replaced upon ‘her 
eggs. She showed no alarm, but resumed her 
motherly duties forthwith, and in due time hatched 
off a fine covey of tiny partridges. Such instances 
could easily be multiplied, but the facts are already 
too well substantiated to stand in any need of repe- 
tition on the present occasion. 
Much difference of opinion exists as to the bold- 
ness or timidity of brooding partridges. Some birds 
will allow a stranger to step up quietly to their nests 
for a period of many successive days ; they seem to 
comprehend that for themselves complete inaction 
affords the best security. Such is really the case, and 
very pretty the quiet creatures look as they cower 
motionless, eyeing. the intruder intently enough with 
their bright bead-like eyes, yet fearful to expose their 
eggs to danger by any ill-considered or hasty move- 
ment. 
Some sportsmen think it unlucky to find a par- 
tridge’s nest. Certainly it is best that the majority 
of nests should escape attention altogether. The 
chances of the young birds chipping the eggshells 
successfully is materially increased by their complete 
seclusion. The misfortunes which attend the dis- 
covery of a nest of eggs are not difficult to under- 
stand. If symptoms of human interference exist, 
. D 
