Practical Game-Preserving. 142 



lands where they have hitherto not been preserved in some 

 mode or other, nor were present, is an operation seldom 

 necessary. The first matter for consideration is, 

 naturally, the aspect of the country, and, unless that 

 be suitable, it will be found impossible to introduce 

 partridges. As a rule, exceptions to which do not often 

 occur, it may be said that where partridges already are, 

 they may be increased, and an occasional covey or two in 

 a given locality may always be taken as a proof that it is 

 a suitable one whereon to attempt their increase. This 

 may consist very well in turning away a number of couples 

 of birds in the early spring about mating-time, say the 

 months of February and March. Indigenous partridges 

 may be obtained almost anywhere, and at a reasonable 

 figure, and the only point in their selection which requires 

 observing is to obtain birds from localities possessing 

 similar, but not necessarily identical, features with the 

 district in which it is purposed to introduce them. When 

 turning the birds down, the best plan is to place two or 

 three pairs within a short distance of one another, so that 

 the usual calling for mates and jealousies of the males 

 over their chosen hens may be duly gone through. The 

 best spot to put down partridges in spring is in a dry, 

 rough pasture, more particularly if there be a small 

 expanse of low uneven brake adjacent. Put them down 

 towards night-time, as they will then have no disposition 

 to fly off, and after a night's rest will probably settle down 

 and stick to the near neighbourhood of their first resting- 

 place. For the first day or two a little grain oats, 

 barley, or wheat scattered about may help them along, 

 but it should be given in but small quantities, and for but 

 one or two days, as it is almost unnecessary to remark that 

 favourable open weather must be chosen as the time for the 

 purpose. 



