398 REPTILES AND BIRDS. 
Colchis, whence its name is derived. Struck with its beauty, they 
carried it back with them into Greece, whence it gradually spread 
over a large portion of the European continent. The Greeks, 
believing it to be indigenous to the banks of the Caucasian river, 
called it the “Bird of Phasis;” subsequently, however, it was 
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Fig. 154.—Common Pheasants. 
ascertained that it also inhabited the whole of the south of Asia 
—China, Cochin-China, Bengal, &c. met 
At the present day this bird is found in France, Great Britain, 
Holland, Germany, and even Sweden. 
Pheasants prefer wooded slopes or marshy plains. Their food 
is of a varied character, and is composed of grain, berries, worms, 
insects, and snails. They are shy and timid in their nature, taking 
flight at the slightest indication of danger. ‘They live alone up to 
’ 
Ta. a goes? + oo 
