604 THE MONGOLIAN PHEASANT. 
and cunning, and is able, under necessity, to maintain a thrifty existence in the 
forests and uncleared river valleys, in complete independence of men. It is 
even able, and this is a vital point, to quickly discriminate between open and 
close season, and to resume the warier life under the behest of a single day's 
discipline. 
As a game bird, also, the China Pheasant ranks high. Its flesh is above 
the average, and its pursuit involves all the elements of sagacity, skill, and en- 
durance, which constitute upland shooting sport. The bird lies well to a 
dog—that is, when cornered—but if he has a running chance, the dog must 
win his point. Pheasants are cunning sneaks and swift runners, and the cocks 
will sometimes travel at top speed for half a mile before admitting defeat and 
crouching for the wing test. The bird leaps into the air with a sudden cry, 
pauses for a fraction of a second to get his course, then away on vigorous 
wings. 
The Pheasant is usually thus pursued with gun and dog, after the fashion 
observed in case of all native grouse, and that moment of indecision which al- 
ways comes after the bird is up is the favorable moment for the gunner. But 
it is no mean test of skill to stop a Pheasant in mid-flight when the hunt is en 
battue, after the English and Continental fashion. 
Stubble fields and open situations are the preferred range of the Ring- 
necks, but they are quite at home in the jungle. They are especially to be 
found at the borders of clearings, where their haunting presence is likely to be 
resented by the pioneer who is trying to carve a garden out of a forest. Some 
damage they undoubtedly do, just as chickens would, but it is to be suspected 
that those who complain most bitterly of the “devastations” wrought by this 
fowl are seeking cover for their practice, all too frequent, of potting these 
luscious birds out of season. 
Fecundity is another trait of this hardy fowl. The birds are polygamous, 
and the cock is prepared to fight for the possession of the largest possible 
harem. The females raise two or three broods in a season, but not content 
with this, the amorous cocks seek alliance with native and domestic species. 
Hybrids formed by the crossing of China Pheasants and Sooty Grouse are not 
infrequent, and the introduction of wild blood into the farm-yard results in 
interesting and not unprofitable forms. 
Cock Pheasants crow somewhat after the fashion of Chanticleer, produc- 
ing a sort of double explosive sound, squawk-squawk, accompanied by a vigor- 
ous clapping of wings. Mr. Victor Savings called my attention to the fact 
that in the spring of the year, when any unusual noise is made the nearest cock 
Pheasant crows instantly. Mr. Savings, Sr., was engaged in blasting out 
stumps and I was able to confirm Victor’s observations, for every time the 
Hercules powder “let go” with a dull boom, some Pheasant crowed 
oo mui i. —————_ 
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