PHEASANTS IN COVERT AND AVIARY 



and weight ; thirdly, the brilliancy of the plumage has been 

 enhanced ; fourthly, increase in size instead of diminution has 

 resulted, and been maintained ; fifthly, hardihood and pro- 

 lificacy, combined with great strength of flight, fertility and 

 maturity, have all been maintained, which, in all probability, 

 would not have been so had British game-preservers had to 

 rely upon the black-necked breed as opposed to the ring- 

 necked variety, or hybrids therefrom. 



Some game-preservers — principally those of the older 

 school — seem to be opposed to the introduction of alien blood 

 into their stock, apparently taking a pride in maintaining purity 

 of what are known to some as "Old English Pheasants," 

 maintaining that the flesh of these birds is more deli- 

 cate in its texture, and that they are of stronger flight. 

 Whether or not this is the correct view to take, opinions will 

 be divided, but it is as well to understand that in the breeding 

 and perpetuation of individual species, it is essential for the 

 maintenance of the constitutional vigour, to infuse fresh 

 blood, either of the same, or an allied species, the latter for 

 preference, provided that other conditions are favourable. 



It is stated that it is rather a difficult matter to maintain 

 the Chinese Pheasant in a state of purity, and many birds 

 sold as such are, doubtless, not pure bred. This is more 

 applicable to the Chinese Pheasant than to most other 

 varieties, in which the slightest adulteration may render itself 

 evident in the plumage, though it is not so readily discernible 

 in the Chinese Pheasant. 



These remarks are more especially applicable to the first 

 cross of P. Tonjnattis with that of P. Co/chicus, less so in 

 the second, third and fourth generations. There is a first- 

 class description of the Chinese Pheasant given in Mr Gould's 

 Birds of Asia, from which the author has taken the liberty 

 of reproducing it. Mr Gould says : 



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