76 
THE COMMON PARTRJDOB. 
ever, comparatively seldom witnessed or indeed ex- 
ercised, for nature lias implanted another device in 
the greater numbers of tins family, in which the or- 
gans of defence are in reality weak, against their 
many assailants, both animal and feathered. Strata- 
gem is resorted to, and the parent feigns lameness 
and even death to withdraw the aggressor. The 
noise and confusion which occurs wfien a person 
suddenly and unawares comes on a young brood of 
partridges is remarkable. The shrieks of the parents 
apparently tumbling and escaping away with broken 
legs and wings is well acted, and often succeeds in 
withdrawing the dog and Ids young attendant be- 
yond the possibility of discovering the hiding places 
of the brood. When this is attained, their' wonted 
strength is soon recovered, a flight to a considerable 
distance is taken, hut by the time the aggressor has 
reached the marked spot, the bird has again circui- 
tously come up with her charge, and is ready to act 
her part if again discovered. 
Partridge shooting is one of the most esteemed 
sports of the British fowler ; and when pursued in a 
apart* man-1 ike manner, with finely bred dogs, is of 
considerable interest. The county of Norfolk has 
been long celebrated for the number of its partridges, 
as well as for her zealous agriculturist, Mr Coke, one 
of the first shots in the kingdom. The following ac- 
count from Pierce Egan's anecdotes, will give some 
idea both of the abundance of the partridge, and the 
excess to which the sport may he carried. 
