A POLYGAMOUS PARTRIDGE !
A theory has been started that the partridge—generally quoted as an outstanding type of monogamy—is on occasion polygamous, and helps to support two families. What is quite certain about the male partridge is that it is singularly maternal. It has almost as strong an instinct as the hen to brood the eggs, to help feed and brood the young and to remain with the family through many succeeding months. Even where pairs are barren they remain together through
the autumn and winter ; and probably continue to pair in the succeeding spring. In nineteen cases out of twenty the cocks are models both of marital fidelity and paternal affection. At the same time there is a problem peculiar to the partridge. Parties of three are frequently met, both in the spring and more rarely in the autumn ; and no one has yet decided on the nature of the association.
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