17 SEPTEMBER 1927, Page 15

The Frenchman is, I think, a maligned bird. It is

very hardy ; but is it really very bellicose'? It is supposed to drive off the English or Hungarian bird ; but one observer, at any rate, is of opinion that the English bird is too good for it when a 'dispute arises over a nesting territory. Another query. -Does the French partridge share the heresy of the corn bunting, that it is best to start breeding late in the year ? The question is prompted by a neighbour's discovery ti during last week of a French partridge sit ng happily on a clutch of eggs. It is the latest brood within my experience ; and there seems the less reason for it, as the birds have bred • W. BEACH THOMAS -