200 INSE8S0RES CURSORES. 



On the cut at the head of this Chapter we have 

 figured the common American Partridge and Gam- 

 ble's Partridge. Of the former species perhaps most 

 persons have some knowledge. To those who reside 

 in the country it is by no means a stranger, especially 

 in winter, when it often frequents the barn-yard to 

 assist the fowls in appropriating their feed ; while in 

 summer, its clear loud call of " Bob White ! Bob, Bob 

 White !" is as well-known and familiar a voice as pro- 

 ceeds from the grove. There is something peculiarly 

 pleasing in this love-note of the Partridge ; the clear- 

 ness and distinctness with which it is uttered is sur- 

 prising, and the soft, mellow tones, as they come from 

 a distance, are full of such sweetness that they quite 

 inspire one with a love for the bird. It really con- 

 sists of three syllables instead of two ; the first being 

 simply an aspiration, it is not heard at any great 

 distance. Audubon makes the whole read, "Ah, 

 Bob White!" 



The nest of this bird is generally built at the foot 

 of a tuft of grass or corn-stalks ; it is slightly sunk 

 below the surface of the ground, and is composed of 

 grass so arranged as to form a sort of oven, with an 

 opening at one side. The number of eggs deposited 

 in one nest appears to vary from fifteen to twenty- 

 four. The young leave the nest immediately upon 

 being freed from the shell, and follow their mother 

 in search of food, and nestling under her wings in 

 the same manner as a brood of young chickens; 

 thej generally follow her until the succeeding Spring, 



