12 PHEASANTS 



able list of little-known pheasants, deemed 

 worthy of serious attention by game pre- 

 servers in this country. 



Having little faith in these recom- 

 mendations, and yet wishing to be sure 

 of his ground before challenging the 

 conclusions of such accepted authorities 

 on game birds and their habits as Mr. 

 Walter Rothschild and Mr. Tegetmeier, 

 the writer sought the opinion of one 

 whose knowledge of the ways of sport is 

 only surpassed by her intimate acquaint- 

 ance with every aspect of bird life. In 

 answer to his queries, the Duchess of 

 Bedford most kindly sent him the follow- 

 ing notes on the various pheasants, which 

 have at different times been given their 

 liberty at Woburn Abbey : — 



The Reeves Pheasants have done very well at 

 Woburn, but they are uncertain layers. Last 

 year there were hardly any eggs. In hilly country 

 we consider them splendid birds for sporting pur- 

 poses, as they rise well, come early in the beat and 

 singly. They are not, however, disposed to allow 

 themselves to be driven into a corner like the 

 Common Pheasant, and therefore may not be 

 favourably looked upon by keepers. 



