THE COMMON AMERICAN PARTRIDGE. (Jl 



sunk in the ground. The eggs are from ten to eighteen, rather sharp at the 

 smaller end, and of a pure white. The male at times assists in hatching 

 them. This species raises only one brood in the year, unless the eggs or 

 the young when yet small have been destroyed. When this happens, the 

 female immediately prepares another nest; and should it also be ravaged, 

 sometimes even a third. The young run about the moment after they make 

 their appearance, and follow their parents until spring, when, having 

 acquired their full beauty, they pair and breed. 



The Partridge rests at night on the ground, either amongst the grass or 

 under a bent log. The individuals which compose the flock form a ring, 

 and moving backwards, approach each other until their bodies are nearly in 

 contact. This arrangement enables the whole covey to take wing when 

 suddenly alarmed, each flying off in a direct course, so as not to interfere 

 with the rest. 



These birds are easily caught in snares, common dead-falls, traps and pens, 

 like those for the Wild Turkey, but proportionate to the size of the bird. 

 Many are shot, but the principal havoc is effected by means of nets, 

 especially in the Western and Southern States. The method employed is 

 as follows: 



A number of persons on horseback, provided with a net, set out in search 

 of Partridges, riding along the fences or briar-thickets, which the birds are 

 known to frequent. One or two of the party whistle in imitation of the 

 second call-note above described, and as Partridges are plentiful, the call is 

 soon answered by a covey, when the sportsmen immediately proceed to 

 ascertain their position and number, seldom considering it worth while to 

 set the net when there are only a few birds. They approach in a careless 

 manner, talking and laughing as if merely passing by. When the birds are 

 discovered, one of the party gallops off in a circuitous manner, gets in 

 advance of the rest by a hundred yards or more, according to the situation 

 of the birds, and their disposition to run, while the rest of the sportsmen 

 move about on their horses, talking to each other, but at the same time 

 watching every motion of the Partridges. The person in advance being 

 provided with the net, dismounts, and at once falls to placing it, so that his 

 companions can easily drive the Partridges into it. No sooner is the 

 machine ready, than the net-bearer remounts and rejoins the party. The 

 sportsmen separate to a short distance, and follow the Partridges, talking 

 and whistling, clapping their hands, or knocking upon the fence-rails. The 

 birds move with great gentleness, following each other, and are kept in the 

 right direction by the sportsmen. The leading bird approaches and enters 

 the mouth of the net, the others follow in succession, when the net-bearer 

 leaps from his horse, runs up and secures the entrance, and soon despatches 



Vol. V. 9 



