REEVES', OR THE BAR-TAILED PHEASANT 



This may perhaps be due to the fact of their living on 

 different food. I had with me at the time a Spaniel and 

 a Red Irish Setter, and as the day was fine and clear, walked 

 on quietly, until I came to what appeared to be good country. 

 The hills here were lower, and the wood fairly dense but 

 without undergrowth. A wood-cutter told me he had seen 

 several Pheasants a few days ago but could give no further 

 information, so tying up my Spaniel, I determined to work 

 quietly along with the setter. Although it was January, 

 the day was hot, and I was obliged to dispense with my 

 coat as I struggled up the hill. 1 worked along the lower 

 part without coming on any scent. Suddenly the setter got 

 very busy, and moved along showing me that he had some 

 large game. I followed as well as I could over the broken 

 ground. False scent ! back again. Then the dog took 

 a turn up the almost perpendicular rock. I thought, ' How 

 could the birds get up there and leave no scent.' They had 

 evidently helped themselves with their wings. I was deter- 

 mined to follow, and brought the setter back to a place 

 where we succeeded in getting on to the upper ledge after 

 a litde scrambling. Having arrived at the top, as I had 

 anticipated, we soon came to the scent again, and away went 

 the dog very cautiously setting every now and again. Just 

 ahead of us now was a stone wall. I was very much afraid 

 that they might come to the rise just as I was getting over, 

 so I made preparations for a surprise. I knew there were 

 several birds or some larger game by the general activity 

 and caution shown by the dog. I was soon over the wall 

 ready for anything. Below me was some long grass. On 

 the edge I had left some high trees on my right, the hill also 

 with long grass, but no wood. I was very badly placed, 

 for I could not see where the game could be. Up got six 

 Reeves' Pheasants, splendid birds. I felt certain of two, 



S3 



