THE GOLDEN PHEASANT 



The plumage of the male consists, as previously mentioned, 

 of a " Crown " or crest of orange-coloured feathers, and a 

 tippet of bright orange red, arranged like a frill, and what 

 corresponds to the margin of each frill, is encircled by bluish 

 markings, almost bordering on black. To arrest the atten- 

 tion of the female bird, this collar expands, being displayed 

 laterally as circumstances necessitate. 



The development of the complemental plumage and its 

 conspicuous display, constitutes a feature of particular interest 

 amongst birds, both domesticated and otherwise. 



At the base of the neck, following the feathers composing 

 the tippet, the feathers have a ground substance of green 

 coloration, with a deeper colour around the margins, form- 

 ing a marked contrast with the brilliant yellow feathers of 

 the back, and crimson ones covering the scapular, or shoulder 

 bones. Beneath the body and covering the breast, the 

 feathers are a combination of scarlet and orange, but on 

 the throat, light brown. The tail is exceedingly graceful, 

 and consists of long feathers, some of which are spotted, 

 others barred, the upper tail coverts being an admixture 

 of orange and crimson. It is impossible to conceive anything 

 handsomer than a cock Golden Pheasant in full plumage, so 

 that one need hardly wonder why these birds are held in 

 such high esteem by fanciers. 



When Golden Pheasants are kept in outdoor runs they 

 should be pinioned, which is preferably done when the birds 

 are about a month or six weeks old. To do this, take each 

 bird in the hand, spread out the wing, and remove a portion, 

 preferably to include the first joint, and a little above it, 

 which prevents flight to any height beyond several feet. 

 Any slight bleeding that occurs is of no practical importance, 

 but to heal the wound touch it with a little compound 

 Tincture of Benzoin. 



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