CHAPTER XL 



Vegetable and Mineral Poisons 



Introductory. — Innumerable instances of accidental poison- 

 ing in Pheasants have been brought to the writer's notice, 

 likewise such cases have been recorded by other observers, 

 some of which are of an extremely interesting nature. A 

 noteworthy feature in connection with the ingestion of 

 poisonous substances by Pheasants is the reason why these 

 birds should partake of such at one time, and yet refuse it 

 at another, in spite of the fact that they have been liberally 

 fed on both occasions. It is reasonable to assume that the 

 discriminative power of Pheasants, as regards their selection 

 and rejection of esculent herbage, is allied to that of other 

 birds, but why they should resort to feeding upon toxico- 

 logical plants is a matter too speculative to decide upon. 

 To feed upon poisonous grain is a totally different matter, 

 as the toxic material is hidden from view. The malicious 

 destruction of Pheasants by poisonous substances is certainly 

 of uncommon occurrence, most instances of poisoning in 

 these birds being due to accidental circumstances. In some 

 localities a very dangerous practice prevails, namely, that 

 of scattering poisoned grain for the destruction of rooks 

 and other pests of the farmer, whilst the gamekeeper is 

 not altogether free from this pernicious practice. The grain 

 (maize, oats, etc.) is usually soaked in either a solution of 

 strychnine, or else arsenic, and then scattered about. 

 When Pheasants are hungry they will stray a considerable 



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