in an instant by its call; the male continues the same 
artifices for some time after, to give the female an op*, 
portunity of making good a retreat, and then by a cir- 
(cuitous rout, hastens to the spot lately occupied by itself 
and brood, and by its cry makes known its return. 
In winter, they leave the open country, and seek shelter 
from the inclemency of the season, ia coppices under the 
leaves of fern, and among brushwood ; at this time they 
assemble several coveys together, and are extremely shy ; 
unless by surprise it is almost impossible to get within gun 
shot ; at other seasons, if any one will only keep moving 
about, they will almost suffer themselves to be trod on^ 
rather than take wing. 
They have been found quite white. 
