THE COLIN. 163 



begins on the 21st of August. When flushed they whirr 

 up suddenly, and wiU sometimes fly into the trees, but 

 more generally settle on the ground again ; notwith- 

 standing their very short flights, they are exceedingly 

 difficult to find, so close do they lie after being thus 

 disturbed. 



The flesh, which is white, is very tender and excellent; 

 and this is in every way a bird worthy of the attention 

 of the Acclimatization Society. Pugnacious enough to 

 defend itself anywhere, yet from its size not likely to drive 

 away any other game-bird, it is hardy enough to stand 

 any winter in this country, and appears to thrive, as 

 far as has yet been tried, equally well in the furthest 

 northern as in the most southern parts of England. 

 Yarrel* states that a small number were introduced into 

 this country many years ago, and that specimens have 

 from time to time since that period been killed in 

 Northumberland, Cambridgeshire, Gloucestershire, Surrey, 

 Kent, and Sussex ; also that from the discovery of nests 

 and eggs they are kno^vn to have bred in Norfolk and 

 Staffbrdshire. 



Though, as above stated, they are very fond of buck- 

 wheat and maize, of which they would of course find 

 little with us, they will thrive on any kind of corn, the 



* British Birds. 



m2 



