gamble's partridge. 201 



when they are in full plumage, and capable of shifts 

 ing for themselves. 



Gamble's Partridge is an inhabitant of Texas, and 

 was first discovered and introduced to notice by Dr. 

 William Gamble, in 1841. For beauty of plumage 

 it probably far surpasses any other species. The rich 

 chestnut-colored feathers which cover the sides, the 

 white markings upon the face and sides of the head, 

 and the singular plumes with which the head is or- 

 namented, give it a very sprightly and pleasing ap- 

 pearance. 



General George A. M'Call, in his " Kemarks on 

 the habits of Birds met with in Western Texas, be- 

 tween San Antonio and the Rio Grande, and in New 

 Mexico," speaking of this bird, says : "After losing 

 sight of the Massena Partridge, I did not fall in with 

 the present species until we reached the Limpia river, 

 about 100 miles west of the Pecos. 



" This beautiful bird, whose habits, in some re- 

 spects, bear resemblance to the common Partridge, 

 like that, seems to prefer a more genial and hospita- 

 ble region. In this part of the country the Mus- 

 quito Tree (Acacia Glandulosa) is more or less com- 

 mon ; and the Musquito grass, and other plants bear- 

 ing nutritious seeds, are abundant. Here, this Par- 

 tridge increases rapidly in numbers, and becomes very 

 fat; and, as I afterwards ascertained, is much dis- 

 posed to seek the farms, if any be within reach, and 

 to cultivate the acquaintance of man. About the 

 Rancho of Mr. White, near El Paso, I found them 

 ?ery numerous ; and here, in flocks of fifty or a hun- 



