638 A P P E N D I X. 



As we find, from thefe citations, that fo many 

 different forts of birds have learned to fpeak, and 



as 



As I fuppofe, however, that perdix fignifies this laft bird, 

 and not the common partridge (as it is always tranflated), it 

 is proper I mould here give my reafons why I diffent from 

 others, as alfo why I conceive that fturnus, in this pailage, is 

 not a. ft ar ling, but the common partridge. 



None of the ancients have defcribed the plumage of the 

 perdix ; but Ariftotle, 0~jid, and Pliny, inform us of what 

 materials the neft of this bird is compofed, as well as where 

 it is placed. 



Ariftotle fays, that the neft is fortified with wood*; and 

 in another chapter f, with thorns and wood ; neither of which 

 are ufed by the common partridge, which often builds in a 

 country where they cannot be procured. 



On the contrary, M. de Bujfcn informs us, that the red leg- 

 ged partridge, " fe tiennent fur hs montagnes qui produifent 

 beaucoup de bruyeres, & de broffailles T. . 



Ovid, therefore, fpeaking of the perdix, fays, 



" ponitque in fepibus ova §," 



where the common partridge is feldom known to build. 



Pliny again informs us, " perdices fpina & frutice fie mu- 



* E7rnXuya^oiJL£vai wXljr. Lib « V « c « •« Which Stephens ren- 

 ders making a covering if imocd. 



f Lib. IX. c. 8. The common partridge, however, makes its neft 

 with hay and ftraw. 



% Orn. T.II. p. 433- 



§ Ovid. Ma. Lib. VIII. 1. 25S. I ihali alfo refer to 1. 237, of the fame 

 book : 



" Garrula ramosa profpexit ab ilice perdix : ** 

 as it is well known that the common partridge never perches upon a tree, 



" niunt 



