GALLIFOEMES. 393 



The Tetraonidce include the Grouse, Blackcock, and Caper- 

 caillie {Tetrao), and the Partridges {Perclix and Oaccabis). 



The Phasianidce or Pheasant group include the Quail, Coturnix 

 communis ; the Fowls, Gallinu} ; the Turkeys and Guinea-fowls, 

 Meleagrino! ; and the Pea-fowls, Pavoninw. 



The two partridges are the Common or Gi'ey Partridge {Perdix 

 cinerea) and the Bed-legged ov Frenchman [Caccabis rufa). 



The grey partridge is widely distributed over Great Britain, 

 but is especially abundant in the eastern counties. It was said 

 to be decreasing there, owing to the increase of the red-legged 

 partridge ; but this can scarcely be the case, for the two flourish 

 side by side, and do not interfere with one another. In Ireland 

 it is also said to be decreasing. They are subject to much vari- 

 ation in colour, according to the soil. Breeding takes place in 

 February, and in April the hen lays from 12 to 30 or more eggs, 

 which hatch out in three weeks. 



The French Partridge (C. rufa) was introduced into England 

 in 1770 ; from that date it has spread, and is now firmly planted 

 in the eastern counties and some parts of the Midlands, &c. 

 In the west it has taken no hold — in fact it thrives best on 

 poor, bare, and dry lands. The red legs, rudimentary spurs, 

 and running habits soon distinguish it from our native species. 

 The eggs, too, are very different ; those of cinerea are olive- 

 brown, those of 7'ufa are yellowish-white, blotched with rusty- 

 brown. 



The two species live, feed, and breed apart, and have no 

 influence upon one another. The food of the grey partridge 

 consists of insects, snails, weed-seeds, and grain ; the red-legged 

 partridge feeds especially on dry fallows and waste - land. 

 Although some grain is destroyed by both, yet they may be 

 said to do more good than harm, for countless insects and 

 weed-seeds are eaten at the same time. 



The Eed Grouse (Tetrao scoticus) is indigenous only to the 

 British Isles. It is generallv distributed over the Scottish moors. 



