200 
INSESSORES — CURS ORES. 
On the cut at the head of this Chapter we have 
figured the common American Partridge and Gam- 
ble’s Partridge. Of the former species perhaps most 
persons have some knowledge. To those who reside 
in the country it is by no means a stranger, especially 
in winter, when it often frequents the barn-yard to 
assist the fowls in appropriating their feed ; while in 
summer, its clear loud call of “ Bob White !. Bob, Bob 
White l” is as well-known and familiar a voice as pro- 
ceeds from the grove. There is something peculiarly 
pleasing in this love-note of the Partridge ; the clear- 
ness and distinctness with which it is uttered is sur- 
prising, and the soft, mellow tones, as they come from 
a distance, are full of such sweetness that they quite 
inspire one with a love for the bird. It really con- 
sists of three syllables instead of two the first being 
simply an aspiration, it is not heard at any great 
distance. Audubon makes the whole read, “Ah, 
Bob White ! ” 
The nest of this bird is generally built at the foot 
of a tuft of grass or corn-stalks ; it is slightly sunk 
below the surface of the ground, and is composed of 
grass so arranged as to form a sort of oven, with an 
opening at one side. The number of eggs deposited 
in one nest appears to vary from fifteen to twenty- 
four. The young leave the nest immediately upon 
being freed from the shell, and follow their mother 
in search of food, and nestling under her wings in 
the same manner as a brood of young chickens; 
they generally follow her until the succeeding Spring, 
