PARTRIDGE. 



91 



are not only pursued by men and dogs, but the snow forces 

 them to seek food and shelter in or near farms, which in- 

 creases their danger. Partridges never pass the night in 

 woods, but, as soon as the sun is set, they fly to the fields, 

 and after one or two short moves, during which time they 

 utter their call-note, chisick, chisick, they unite, and 

 scratching a hollow place, the birds squat close together with 

 their tails to the centre, and remain thus for the night. 

 Early in the morning, when daylight appears, the whole 

 family leave their roosting-place and run about, when the 

 parent birds call the young ones together, and fly to a short 

 distance ; this is repeated once or twice, when they all run 

 about a little with extended necks, until the sun has risen, 

 when they begin to feed. 



The general appearance of the Partridge, in a natural 

 state, is exceedingly graceful, and very different from most 

 land birds. During its occupation of seeking its food, it goes 

 about crouching with a round back : when it notices any 

 sound that arrests its attention, it stands up with the neck 

 extended, looking around ; and until it perceives danger, it 

 will strut about in this manner, and on the nearer approach 

 of danger, it runs with great swiftness, and finally flies away. 

 Frequently when a sportsman comes upon a Partridge or a 

 covey of them, they run for a hiding-place, and if none is at 

 hand, they one and all lay themselves quite flat to the ground, 

 and remain there until the danger is past, or else take wing 

 and try to save themselves ; but, at all events, it is very won- 

 derful how these birds manage to lie so close to the ground, 

 that the best-sighted sportsman can seldom see them till they 

 think fit to get up. 



The Partridge, when on the ground, mostly keeps its 

 wings covered by the beautifully pencilled breast and side 

 feathers, and its tail drooping and partly spread. The 

 flight of the Partridge is remarkably strong and quick, 



