MALE PLUMAGE ON FEMALE PHEASANTS 



but it must be borne in mind that sterility in a male, through 

 degenerative changes in the generative organs, is just as 

 liable to occur as in the case of the female. Again, spurless 

 cock Pheasants are not unknown, therefore the absence of 

 these weapons of defence — sometimes offence — is not proof 

 as to the identity of sex. 



Two facts of practical importance to the game-preserver 

 are associated with this change of plumage in birds, and 

 should not be lost sight of. The first one is not to leave 

 a lot of old hens in the coverts, but to replenish the stock 

 every second or third year ; and secondly, to allow only young 

 and vigorous male birds to remain for the perpetuation of the 

 stock. 



"S 



