20 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 



size of the Pheasant. The form of the HEAD, BEAK, and 

 FEET are like that bird. The TAIL, in shape and marking, is 

 also like the Pheasant, but not quite so long. The feathers 

 of the BACK are marked like the Capercaillie, but tinged with 

 the golden brown of the Pheasant. The NECK, BREAST, and 

 ABDOMEN are wholly coloured as in the Capercaillie, and 

 the TARSUS is feathered for half its length." 



'to 1 



Lastly, we have the fourth specimen already described. 



It is evident from the foregoing descriptions of these 

 hybrids that they represent two morphologically distinct 

 types. These are peculiar and partake of the character- 

 istics of both parents in a greater or lesser degree. 



The first we have is the type least modified in appearance, 

 being pheasant-like in form, as in the third and fourth 

 specimens described. There are, however, important tetrao- 

 nine modifications. These are the partially feathered tarsus, 

 with its merely rudimentary spur ; the hallux on the same 

 plane as the front toes ; while in one of the specimens the 

 formation of the tail is peculiar, only the central pair of 

 feathers being elongated. 



The second type of form is a mixture of Capercaillie and 

 Pheasant, and may be said to be a Capercaillie with the 

 tail and feet of a Pheasant. Other phasianine peculiarities are 

 to be found in the scarlet eye-patches, and the partially 

 scutellate tarsus with its nodule or rudiment of a spur. 



The question of coloration presents great difficulties ; 

 and it is almost impossible to institute useful comparisons, 

 and quite so to formulate colour types. 



There exists, however, a great resemblance between the 

 two Arden specimens. That this should be so is not 

 unnatural, for there can be little doubt that these birds 

 were members of the same brood. I say not unnatural, but 

 it certainly does not follow as a matter of course, for I know 

 of two male hybrids between a Pheasant and a Domestic 

 Fowl, members of one family, which are as different in 

 coloration as it is possible for them to be. 



In coloration the two pheasant-like birds differ widely. 

 The Mon)/musk specimen is described as resembling the 



