BOB-WHITE 115 



in the fields. So long as the open sale of birds was 

 legal the temptation to so take them remained. The 

 use of traps and the sale of game is now prohibited in 

 most of the States, and many farmers now rent the 

 shooting on the farms, and are prepared to aid the 

 execution of the law. 



Partridges, as sportsmen know, prefer the open 

 fields — stubble and corn in the order named. They 

 are seldom seen far within large woods. When 

 alarmed they fly at once to the woods or thickets, 

 there to remain until the danger passes. Small woods 

 and thickets with much underbrush and briers are 

 better than large woodland tracts and furnish all the 

 cover which the birds require. Small streams and 

 ponds and springs furnish water for the birds and 

 seem necessary for their existence. The birds are 

 partial to a railway passing through a farm and there 

 find gravel, sand, and often grain dropped from a 

 passing freight-train. 



The open season for partridge shooting a few years 

 ago was much too long. Beginning as early as Octo- 

 ber, or even September in some States, it lasted until 

 March or April, long after the birds had sought 

 their mates. Coveys are more easily seen and potted 

 on the snow. A shorter season is now provided in 

 many States. A uniform law providing for an open 

 season beginning November ist and ending with the 

 year would be exactly right. 



The gun for partridge shooting should be a light 12 

 or 16 gauge, the barrels open or but slightly choked, 

 since the shots are at short range. A shooting-coat with 

 many pockets, leggins, and stout shoes are best. Set- 



