In Other Respects (Except Their Size, And That They Occasionally Perch On The Branches Of A Tree,) They Differ Very Little In Their Plumage, Call, Manner Of Keeping In Coveys, &C., From The Partridge Of England.

They are amazingly prolific; I have often found twelve or fourteen coveys in the course of a few hours

Shooting; this will appear extraordinary, when you are informed there are no game laws in America, and that all ranks of citizens, or even a negro, may destroy them in any manner he pleases. When the snow is on the ground, whole coveys are taken in traps, and brought alive to market. They fly swiftly, and afford an excellent shot; but if the same covey be shot at a second time, they will often seek a refuge in the woods, whence it is difficult to dislodge them. They are very hardy, and will bear almost any degree of heat and cold; this circumstance, and their being so prolific, I should think would make a breed of them in England a very desirable acquisition. I am determined to bring over a few couples, by way of experiment.

We are visited by a sort of woodcock in July and August; we have also a kind of grouse, plover, dove, and wild pigeon, snipe, wild fowl, and a wonderful variety of small birds; among which, the _reed-bird_ [Footnote: So called from their note resembling the word _reed_.], or american ortolan, justly holds the first place: they visit us from the south, and are found at certain seasons as far as the West Indies in that direction.

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