“Now, as the Partridge, wherever found, is always _resident_, there is in the extensive distribution above noted, good proof of a hardiness of constitution possessed by no other species of American Partridge, except the common or Virginia Partridge; for no other species has been found in regions as cold and inhospitable as those I have named. Again, arguing from analogy, if the plainer plumage is always found in birds inhabiting more northern latitudes, my opinion is strengthened when I look upon the plain and sober hues of the _Blue_ Partridge as contrasted with the bright and more decided colors of the _Massena_, _California_, and _Gambel’s_ Partridges, all of which prefer the milder regions, and shun those of snow. “The habits, moreover, of this species are more like those of the common Partridge than either of the others. I have shot these birds over a pointer dog, and at times found them to lie sufficiently close to afford good sport; this, however, it must be admitted, was not often the case, and never, unless the cover was remarkably good; for, in general, they are vigilant and wild, making their escape by running on the first approach of danger. In swiftness of foot none of the family can compete with them. When running, they keep the body erect and hold the head high; and in this attitude they seem fairly to skim over the surface of the ground. On such occasions the white plume is erected and spread out like a fan, or rather like an old fashioned _chapeau de bras_, worn fore and aft: this gives them a trim, jaunty air, that is peculiarly pleasing and attractive. I remember once being particularly struck with the beautiful appearance thus presented by a large covey that I came upon suddenly in open sandy ground. It was in the month of February, just at sunrise; I was half asleep on my horse, and thoroughly benumbed with cold (having been in the saddle since two hours before daybreak, in order to reach Eagle Spring by breakfast time), when a sudden start of my horse roused me into wakefulness. On looking up, I beheld about twenty of these birds in the trail a few yards in advance. Contrary to their usual manner, they were strutting along, or rather slowly walking away; and with their white _chapeaux_ spread out to the full extent, they glanced over their shoulders and clucked to each other as if uncertain whether danger threatened or not. I drew up my horse and looked on with delight, until the little fellows finally took to their heels and swiftly glided away to the nearest cover. This little incident having restored me to full consciousness, I cast my eyes around, and never shall I forget the sublime prospect that then burst upon my enchanted gaze.