THE TRUE PHEASANTS". 33 



soon reached, was covered with short grass and some httle 

 clusters of shrubs, with scattered fragments of rocks ; and as 

 1 heard a note which I took to be the crowing of a cock 

 Pheasant, at a short distance, I availed myself of the excellent 

 cover, and, crawling cautiously on my hands and knees, I 

 succeeded in approaching him within about fifteen yards. 

 Having the advantage of the wind and a foggy atmosphere, 

 and, being, moreover, concealed by the rocks and some shrubs, 

 I could indulge in quietly observing him and his family. On 

 a small sandy patch was an adult cock and three hens busily 

 engaged in taking their breakfast, which consisted of the 

 berries already mentioned growing hereabouts in abundance. 

 From time to time the lord of this little family stopped in his 

 repast and crowed his shrill war-cry, which was answered by a 

 rival on another hill at some distance. At other moments, 

 again, when the sun broke forth for a short time, all stretched 

 themselves in the golden rays, and, rolling in the sand, shook 

 the morning dew from their fine plumage." 



The Japanese Pheasant interbreeds readily with the Chinese 

 Ring-necked Pheasant, the male hybrid being a remarkably 

 fine bird, surpassing in size and beauty either of its parents. 

 This species also crosses freely with P. colchicus^ the males being 

 truly splendid birds, not unlike P. elegans in general colouring, 

 but very much larger. I have been informed that such 

 cross-bred birds are much recommended for turning down in 

 preserves, not only on account of their larger size, but because 

 of their more sedentary habits, for it appears that they selcom 

 stray from the coverts where they have been reared, are less 

 given to running, rise rapidly, and when on the wing fly with 

 greater power. 



Females of this species are occasionally met with in male 

 plumage. 



Nest and Eggs.— Very similar to those of the Common 

 Pheasant. 



12 D 



