222 BRITISH AND EUROPEAN BIRDS. 



In variety many, — of white and of red ; — 



By Eld often quoted, by Fame often said, 



That the young run away with the shells on their head. 



margins of corn-fields, and other quiet and grassy places, and little 

 care evinced in its construction. Time of incubation three 

 weeks. Flesh generally esteemed. 



The running away with the shell upon the head, as mentioned in 

 the text, is sometimes, I believe, in regard to the hatching of 

 Partridges, and others of the Rasor tribe, a literal fact: hence, 

 when a person undertakes any thing before being properly pre- 

 pared for or instructed concerning it, has arisen the common 

 expression, He runs away with the shell vpon his head. 



The Rufus, Red-Partridge, Greek- Partridge, Red-legged 

 Partridge, Guernsey- Partridge, French- Partridge, or Barbary- 

 Pariridge, is rather larger than the common Partridge, bill and 

 legs blood red; chin white, surrounded by a black band spot- 

 ted with white. Inhabits Southern Europe and the Greek 

 Islands. Several varieties ; one found sometimes on the coast 

 of Norfolk and Suffolk. Perches occasionally on trees, and 

 breeds in confinement, which the common Partridge is never 

 known to do. 



The Lagopus, Ptarmigan, White-Game, or White-Partridge, 

 is cinereous, quill feathers white, tail feathers black tipt with 

 white, middle ones white ; toes downy ; length fourteen or 

 fifteen inches. Inhabits the alpine parts of Europe and Siberia, 

 and common in the Highlands of Scotland. Eggs pale rufous, 

 with red brown spots. It is said to be a stupid bird, and bur- 

 rows under the snow. A variety of this species was found by 

 Captain Parry in the high laiitudes of North America. 



The Perching-Partridge inhabits India; it is noted for 

 perching on trees ; plumage above pale brown, beneath pale 

 brownish grey. 



The Urvgallus, Wood-Grouse, Cock-of -the- Wood, Great-Grouse, 

 Cock-of -the- Mountain, Caper-Calze, Auer-Calze, Horseof-the- 

 Woods, or Caper Cally ; is nearly as large as a Turkey, being two 



