70 THE COMMON HILL PARTRIDGE. 



if it can avoid it, rises when disturbed, but threads its way 

 under the fern and brushwood, up or down-hill, with equal faci- 

 lity. As a rule, it keeps at elevations of from 5,000 to 8,000 

 feet. Dr. Stoliczka, I know, says it is generally found near the 

 limit of trees or close to the snows, i.e., between 12,000 and 

 14,000 feet ; but this is only because birds at this elevation, 

 where the undergrowth is scant, are easier seen and flushed ; 

 and if he had had good dogs, he would have found twenty 

 Peuras below 8,000 for one above 10,000 feet. 



I have shot numbers of these, most commonly in November, 

 when the undergrowth has, in the North-West, mostly died off, 

 and I have then habitually found them in coveys, as a rule, seven 

 or eight in number. But looking back, I cannot remember any- 

 thing else to record about them, except that they occur in just 

 such dark ravines as constitute the favourite haunts of that 

 ugly beast (part goat, part antelope, and part pig — I refer to 

 looks only) the Surrow, and that, when flushed, they fly low and 

 swiftly, and, if not knocked down at once, are out of sight be- 

 hind bushes and trees before you well know what you are about. 

 I cannot remember ever seeing one until flushed by the dogs,* 

 and so naturally can say nothing of their habits. 



My friend Mr. Wilson says : — 



"This handsome little Partridge inhabits the forests and 

 jungles, and is never found in open spots or cultivated fields. 

 It is most numerous on the lower ranges in the wooded ravines 

 and hill-sides from the summit to near the base, but does not 

 occur at the foot of the hills or low down in the valleys. It is 

 not so common in the interior, but is met with to an elevation 

 of about 9,000 feet. It is rather solitary in its habits, generally 

 found in pairs ; but occasionally, in autumn and winter, five 

 or six will collect together and keep about one spot. 



" It is a quiet unsuspicious bird ; when alarmed, it utters a 

 soft whistle, and generally creeps away through the underwood, 

 if not closely pressed, in preference to rising. Its flight is 

 rapid, oftener across the hill than downwards, and seldom very 

 far ; in general, not more than 80 or 100 yards. Its food 

 being very similar, it is met with in the same places as the 

 Koklass Pheasant, and both are often found together. Indeed, 

 in winter, in some of the forests of the interior, Tragopans, 

 Moonal, Koklass, and Kalij Pheasants and the Hill Partridge are 

 at times all found within a compass of fifty or sixty yards. 



" It feeds on leaves, roots, maggots, seeds, and berries ; in 

 confinement it will eat grain ; in a large cage or enclosure its 

 motions are very lively, and it runs about with great sprightliness 

 from one part to another. It occasionally mounts into the 

 trees, but not so often as a forest bird might be expected to do. 



* The scent of these birds lies very strong, and I have noticed that dogs go at 

 once off the scent of Pheasants to follow up that of this species. 



