PHAS1ANID.E. 865 



lying concealed during tlie day in tlie jungles^ covers, 

 and long grass, living in divided societies of different 

 sex. Towards tlie spring they separate in families, 

 consisting of a male and several females ; and the 

 party generally takes possession of a certain locality, 

 from wliicli the commander is very particular in 

 driving away all male intruders. When suddenly 

 disturbed, they endeavour to escape by using their 

 legs rather than their wings. Their flight is rapid 

 and noisy when first started, but sustained only 

 for a short distance. Various kinds of grain and 

 insects form their principal food : these are usually 

 sought for at sunset. They also seek for bulbous 

 roots, which are obtained by means of their bill and 

 feet. Their eggs are deposited on long grass, 

 without any kind of nest, and are about ten in 

 number. 



The typical species, — 



The Common Pheasant {Phasiamis Colchicus), although 

 abundant in most parts of Britain, is not a native of this 

 country, but has been introduced here, and into the 

 southern parts of Europe generally, from the south-west 

 of the Asiatic continent. The particular district from 

 which the progenitors of the Pheasants now inhabiting 

 Europe were derived, is supposed to have been the banks 

 of the river Phasis, in the ancient kingdom of Colchis, 

 on the eastern shore of the Black Sea, and the bird is 

 still abundant in a wild state in the Caucasian provinces. 

 Its scientific name, Fhasianus Colchicus, is derived from 

 the river and kingdom above mentioned. 



The favourite resort of the Pheasant is thick underwood 

 abounding in brambles and long grass ; and here it lies 

 concealed during the day, its time for feeding in the 

 adjoining fields being at dawn and at sunset. In its 

 progress to its feeding-ground it always runs, and on this 

 account is very easily taken by wire snares set in the nar- 

 row paths that it makes through the long grass which it 

 constantly frequents. Its habit of roosting upon trees is, 

 however, still more fatal, since, being an object of con- 

 siderable size, readily distinguished by its long tail, and 

 iiot easily frightened from its perch, it offers a sure mark 



