Much underwood remains in the long drifts where it was laid after
cutting until well on in May, and even into June. The keeper may search
carefully, but unless the rows are very narrow and thin he can hope to
find only a few of the many nests they shelter. Especially difficult is
it to find the partridge nests. The finding is almost as much a matter
of luck as of skill, for the eggs are covered completely by the birds
with a drab quilt of leaves, perfectly matching the surroundings. The
eggs of pheasants, too, though the birds seldom cover them, are often
hidden through the play of the leaves in the wind. Even should a bird
be sitting on her nest, she is not easily found--unless the keeper
catches the glint of her dark eye. Her feathers are merely one shade
more in the prevailing blends of brown. The woodworker, keeping the
most careful watch for nests, often does not see the sitting bird until
he strips the underwood from her very back.
* * * * *