Concord, Mass.
1896
April 22
(no 3)
[April 22, 1896]

Partridges drum all day
in a rain & snow storm

  Despite the cold and stormy weather (or, perhaps because
of it) my Partridges drummed through the entire day at
short, regular intervals. I heard the bird on the old wall
between Holden's Meadow & Ball's Hill every time we passed
and the bird on the pine log at the N. [North] end of Davis's
Swamp was equally persistent in the face of still greater
obstacles for not only did he have the heavy rain &
still heavier snow storm to contend with but our huge 
bon-fire was built within thirty yards of him and
being directly to windward sent dense volumes of 
smoke directly through the thicket where he was
concealed. As for noise there was not only the
crackling of the fire but the voices of the men and
their movements in the bushes as they brought out
the piles of dead branches. There was even Bensen's
dog who at first rushed off towards the
bird every time he drummed but either he did
not find him or the Partridge returned very quickly
for the drumming went on steadily during the
whole forenoon and during the two visits which
we made to the fire in the afternoon. I have
little doubt that I could have seen the bird
had I wished for I could see most of his
log from our fire and he drummed once when
I was still nearer - within about 20 yards.
(The next day (23rd) [April 23, 1896] was clear and cool with
a moderate N.W. [Northwest] wind, yet neither Partridge
was drumming so far as I could ascertain by
making visits in both fore & afternoon to the 
places which they frequent. This fact shows
that wild, stormy weather suits them at least at times)