PHEASANTS IN COVERT AND AVIARY 



by supplying birds that are large in size, robust in constitu- 

 tion, early to mature, prolific, sharp on the wing, strong on 

 the wing, high on the wing, and last but not least, brilliant in 

 their plumage. 



A record of all eggs laid, the dates when they were laid, 

 the nests and pens from which they were derived, and any 

 other particulars, should be registered in a book specially 

 kept for the purpose. In order to succeed there is one 

 axiom that must never be lost sight of, and that is to keep 

 one eye on the ledger, and the other eye on what other 

 game-farmers are doing, and this apart from the methodical 

 habits and strenuous existence required by this and other 

 rural industries. 



If fancy Pheasants have to be combined with those of 

 the covert, though of course kept quite apart from such, 

 then the best birds to keep are the Golden Pheasant, the 

 Silver Pheasant, Amherst Pheasant, Soemmerring's Pheasant, 

 Japanese Pheasant, and Reeves' Pheasant, though the last- 

 named species both belong to the genus P/iasianus, but of 

 the two birds P. Reevesii is the one that is most eagerly 

 sought after by gentlemen for introducing into their coverts. 

 These birds are always worth at least a couple of guineas 

 a pair, and their magnificent plumage combined with their 

 strong flight are a great recommendation. 



Elliot's Pheasant is sometimes introduced into coverts, 

 and like Shaw's Pheasant, belongs to the same genus as 

 the two last named, but for a description of these and others 

 belonging to the same or different genera the reader is 

 referred to the various chapters relating thereto. 



For keeping fancy Pheasants, very elaborate portable 

 aviaries are manufactured, and though somewhat expensive 

 to purchase, their construction is so thoroughly well done 

 that once purchased, they will last for more than a lifetime. 



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