120 The Natural History of British Game Birds 
and dangers to encounter before they reach maturity. Carrion-crows, rooks, a few 
kestrels, sparrow-hawks, prey upon them, whilst jealous water-hens are by no means 
innocuous. I have known a red-backed shrike to kill young Partridges, and have seen 
a brood half exterminated by an emu in a park ; in fact, the emu will stamp on any- 
thing that runs along the ground, having the greatest aversion to creatures of snake- 
like habit. It need hardly be mentioned that stoats, foxes, and occasional weasels take 
a heavy toll from the young Partridges. On the hard clay grounds of Surrey, Sussex, 
and Bedfordshire, numbers of young Partridges lose their lives by falling into the 
cracks of the ground that occur during a dry season. Drought and torrential rains, 
especially the latter, soon after hatching, seem to account for more deaths than any 
other cause ; and it is not too much to say that the first fortnight of life is the critical 
time, and determines the fact whether it is to be a good Partridge season or not. 
Two days of heavy rain in the first week of July will destroy half the young Partridges 
in England, and consequently keepers and sportsmen utter a sigh of relief when the 
week has passed with favourable conditions. Young Partridges grow rapidly, and are 
able to fly a few days after being hatched. 
In August Partridges spend most of the day in or alongside the corn fields, but 
when carrying the grain takes place they are driven to seek retreat in the adjoining 
rough lands or turnips, only going to the stubbles at early morn and sunset. As soon 
as the grain fields are clear of sheaves they have a regular habit of feeding there from 
dawn till 10 o'clock, and then lie up in turnips until about 2 p.m., when they return to 
the stubbles until late in the evening, sometimes roosting there, but more generally in 
the adjoining " roughs." Common Partridges usually rise against the wind. Unlike 
the red-leg, they do not scatter and fly off at any angle or elevation, but mounting some 
20 feet in the air, keep close together, all turns and "swings" being performed in 
unison. The flight is not of long duration, even with a strong following wind, and if 
carried far beyond their regular habitat they soon collect and return when disturbance 
has subsided. The flight may be described as " scurrying " rather than rapid, but when 
constantly driven over high fences Partridges can obtain a considerable speed, but not 
equal to that of grouse. I have often seen red grouse, black grouse, and Partridges 
coming on to the guns at once, and have noticed that when starting even the little birds 
were soon left far behind. The pace may be said to vary from 20 to 30 miles an 
hour, and under normal conditions seldom exceeds a quarter of a mile in distance. 
Flying up wind the Partridge keeps low, and takes advantage of every inequality of the 
ground to break the wind. If pursued under the artificial kite they may be said to 
" skim " the turnips, and will dodge and dive almost with the skill of a snipe. That 
the Partridge has good ears and can run well all know who have shot with the host 
that invariably follows his birds up the drills instead of across them. In such cases 
the Partridge takes alarm at once, and commences running as soon as the shooters 
enter the turnips. They can also swim well if forced to do so. The shooting of Par- 
tridges, both by driving and over dogs, is now so well understood — thanks to the many 
excellent books on the subject — that I need say nothing. The best book is the field of 
experience. Partridges are easily tamed, and make charming pets in a garden. Even 
wild coveys are sensible of protection, and will frequent parks and lawns if they are 
