175 Partridges. 



just reach to the ground. For the places of disposal of 

 these food-shelters, choose the best protected and warmest 

 corners of the fields or expanses where the partridges 

 congregate, and feed beneath them with similar food to 

 that already named. 



Where the partridges frequent brakes, commons, and 

 rough spinneys, in their search for food, there is always 

 considerable difficulty in reaching them in severe 

 weather. Under certain circumstances, food scattered 

 about in likely places may serve good purpose; but it is 

 better not to rely upon this. A better and more trust- 

 worthy plan is to secure some stakes about 4ft. or 5ft. in 

 length and about 2in. in diameter. Sharpen these at both 

 ends, and drive them into the ground. Upon these thrust 

 small sheaves of oats, barley, or wheat, but ears down- 

 wards, and just reaching to the ground. The sheaves 

 must be very tightly bound, or some obstruction must be 

 placed upon the stakes to prevent the sheaves from slip- 

 ping too low. Then the ends of the straw should be bent 

 outwards and downwards, so as to form a mushroom- 

 shaped covering for the ear-ends of the grain. The 

 sheaves should be specially bound up with the bind-rope 

 nearer to the ears by one-third of the length of the straw 

 than to the other extremity. 



In some districts, partridges appear to roam continu- 

 ously, especially in open country where there is not very 

 much nor very general cultivation. These birds are very 

 difficult to provide for, and the only means of assisting 

 them with food in winter is by scattering loose grain where 

 they are likely to find it. In this connection, it may be 

 mentioned that the neighbourhood of gaps and gates 

 usually prove most suitable for such purpose. 



As to the best time for putting down food for partridges, 

 it will be obvious that varying circumstances must serve 



