VIRGINIAN PARTRIDGE. 103 



Gardens in the Regent's Park, as well as the representation 

 of the egg, which was produced there by a pair in cap- 

 tivity. 



In several instances the species here described has very 

 recently been introduced more extensively in preserves of 

 game, and, we have reason to believe, with more success 

 than formerly, for several stragglers have been killed in 

 divers places in Surrey and elsewhere, and one which was 

 shewn to us proved to be a young male of the year. The 

 sportsman who killed this specimen assured us that his 

 pointer stood at the bird as staunch as if he had come 

 upon a common Partridge, and the bird lay as close to the 

 dog as could be wished. 



The Virginian Partridge frequents the borders of woods 

 in preference to open country, and generally runs among 

 low bushes and long herbage, unless when, in search of 

 grain, it leaves such shelter, and spreads into cultivated 

 grounds. 



The Virginian Partridge differs materially from the former 

 species, in building a nest for the reception of the eggs, 

 which is said to be in shape resembling that of the willow 

 wren, with a hood : the eggs are ten or twelve in number. 

 The male bird has little or nothing to do with the business 

 of incubation, but joins the hen and young family as soon 

 as they run about, and all remain together until the next 

 spring, when the birds pair and separate. 



The male bird measures nine inches in length. The beak 

 is blueish horn-colour, the iris dusky, and the legs and toes 

 are transparent reddish brown ; claws dusky. Chin and 

 throat, forehead, temples, the sides of the head, and upper 

 part of the breast, white. From the base of the upper 

 mandible begins a black band, which continues below the 

 eyes, and forms a collar below the throat. The top of the 

 head is rich red brown, inclosed on both sides with black. 



