274 ALLEN S NATURALISTS LIDllARY. 



with their pools of water and rocky beds, are particularly 

 favourable to it. As we mount higher, it increases in numbers 

 to such an extent that it is no difficult matter to knock over 

 half a dozen in a morning while marching, and that without 

 leaving the path. 



" This Pheasant is averse to all cultivation, and shuns even 

 the yaks, or hill gardens, of the Karens, though these may be 

 several miles from the nearest faj, or village. It must have 

 thick cover, even while feeding. In the mornings it comes 

 out to feed on the ridges, where the jungle is a trifle less 

 thick than in the valleys. At nine or ten o'clock it descends 

 into the valleys, and after drinking retires into some small 

 secondary watercourse for its mid-day siesta. At this period 

 of the day seven or eight may be found together if it is not the 

 breeding-season. When feeding, they go singly or in pairs. 

 Their food is very varied. Ants, both white and black, are 

 eagerly sought after ; the former are an especial weakness of 

 our bird, and the only food on which it thrives in captivity. 

 During the hot weather Pheasants eat the fig of the Peepul 

 ravenously ; and I have shot birds with nothing but this food 

 in the stomach. 



"The breeding-season begins about the ist March, and 

 by the end of the month all the hens have commenced laying. 

 It is during this month only that the male makes that curious 

 noise with his wings which seems peculiar to the Kalij group. 

 It may be imitated very fairly by holding a pocket-handkerchief 

 by two opposite corners and extending the arms with a jerk. 

 This noise, made only by the male, is undoubtedly a challenge 

 to other cocks. I have frequently hidden myself near a bird 

 thus engaged, and on two occasions shot cock birds running 

 with great excitement towards the sound. 



" The chickens, as soon as they are hatched, are very strong 

 on their legs, and run with great speed. I was fortunate 

 enough to capture portions of four broods. It is astonishing 

 in what a short time the little birds make themselves invisible. 



