PARTRIDGE. 67 



contented, but was always on the watch for my coming back, and on seeing me, would 

 jump up, and run to meet me. It was now so tame and pleased with being fondled 

 as to excite much astonishment. My mother soon became very fond of it, and by 

 degrees it was more with her than with me. Its cage was never inhabited; it would 

 never sleep in confinement, therefore was awake, and quite alive all the evening, being 

 either in the lap, or on the sofa. 



When he had changed his feathers, and attained his full plumage, he refused to be 

 handled, but his habits were just as sociable as before. His knowledge of every one 

 was most extraordinary; his likings and dislikings were very strong; and he was so 

 curious and observant, that no piece of furniture could be removed without his finding 

 it out, and if the carpet was not smooth, he would set to work instantly to render 

 it so, by scratching and pecking. He was very fond of gay colours, and no new gown 

 or cap could be put on without catching his attention. He never offered to go up 

 stairs or down, and very rarely used his wings; on being gently chastised when he did 

 fly, he would run and hide himself like a child, as if he knew he had clone wrong. 



A box of earth was given him to rub in, which he thoroughly enjoyed. His feathers 

 were always glossv, and in the most perfect order, which I attribute to his always 

 having plenty of green food, such as grass and clover cut small. In the winter he 

 liked wheat, but rarely touched it in the summer; was very fond of sugar and cake; 

 drank very little water, and liked his food dry. He never forgot any one he had made 

 acquaintance with, and the return of any of the family after many months absence, caused 

 him so much joy and excitement, that I have been compelled to shut him up. He 

 would distinguish the voices, even before they got out of the carriage. His partiality 

 for my mother was very great, and if she was asleep, nothing would tempt him to cpiit 

 her : but he never liked her to be in the drawing-room. In the evening he always came 

 into the drawing-room, and remained till we retired. He slept at my bed-side, and never 

 disturbed me, nor got up himself till I was called; and then he had a particular call if 

 he fancied I was gone to sleep again. Once from being frightened, he flew out of the 

 window, and being recovered after much trouble, (it was in a town,) he never again 

 offered to get out. After this we had nets at the windows, and the net being one day 

 left down in my room, by running up to my mother, and then into my room, he attracted 

 her notice, and she followed him, he standing before the window, and when the net was 

 replaced, showing himself satisfied. Unlike most pets, he died a natural death on the 

 1st. of January, 1843.' " 



Another instance of this kind is related by Daniel, who says, "Amongst the very few 

 instances of the Partridge remaining tame, was that of one which had been reared at the 

 Eev. Mr. Bird's: this, long after its full growth, attended the parlour at breakfast and 

 other times, received food from any hand that would condescend to give it, stretched itself 



