i8i Partridges. 



should know where their partridges nest, and bush 

 accordingly. The proper way to do this is to place the 

 bushes, fixing them, some firmly, some loosely, from 

 2oyds. to 3oyds. apart each way, so that the bushes of one 

 line come opposite the intervals in the other. Netting 

 partridges only pays the poacher in the early part of the 

 season, and extra vigilance is therefore necessary during 

 the two or three weeks or so subsequent to the " First." 

 It is, however, during the week previous that the largest 

 depredations are carried on, and early in the morning on 

 the " First," when shooting will go on unless one is on 

 the look-out to prevent it. 



Snaring or hingling is chiefly indulged in by labourers 

 and ne'er-do-wells. The dusting- and nesting-places are 

 the most suitable and most favoured spots, and the business 

 often proves very successful. Only systematic vigilance 

 and observation on the part of the keepers will prevent it, 

 and on that alone can one rely. It is a simple but very 

 effective style of poaching and much worked, so that no 

 man should flatter himself that his birds are not being 

 snared. Boys can do it as well as men, and an eye should 

 therefore be kept on everybody. 



Egg-stealing is another style of poaching; it is prac- 

 tised to greater extent nowadays than with pheasants, but 

 is carried on by the same class of people. Its prevention 

 is simple ; never purchase any partridge eggs except from 

 recognised sources; do not allow people to gather " wild- 

 flowers ' ' during the nest season of partridges, and 

 summon someone who is trespassing if you can get the 

 chance. Taking it for granted that the keeper knows all 

 the nests, if one goes, put on a watch to catch the thief of 

 any others. Vermin leave the shells. 



Egg- destroy ing is also prevalent, and is as mean a 

 trick as one man can play on another. Labourers who ask 



