PHEASANT. 185 



Sussex is, that in 1245 tlie Gustos of tlie Bishopric of 

 Chichester was ordered to seud to the Kiug for his use at 

 Easter among other game, twenty-four Pheasants (see Sussex 

 Archaeological Collections, aoI. xvii. p. 118). There are now 

 many large preserves in the county, and Pheasants are spread 

 over it in all suitable places. As a rule they roost in high 

 trees, but if disturbed they will not rise from the ground 

 again the same night, concealing themselves under some thick 

 bush till morning. 



A clap of thunder, or any violent explosion, will cause all 

 cock Pheasants witliin hearing to crow. They are poly- 

 gamous, and their usual nestmg-place is on the ground, 

 though, in a few^ instances, they have been know^n to take to 

 the deserted nest of a crow, or the drey of a squirrel. 



They will, not unfrequently, breed with the Domestic Fowl, 

 and when the Black Grouse was to be found in Sussex, there 

 have been a few instances of their crossing with it. The hen 

 Pheasant has been often found to lay its eggs in the nest of 

 the Partridge. 



In the nuptial season the cocks fight desperately, so much 

 so that I once witnessed a fierce and prolonged combat, wliicli 

 resulted in the death of one, and the retirement of the other 

 in a very dilapidated state; the former I picked up and 

 carried home. 



The Pheasant feeds on insects and their larvae, particularly 

 on the wire-worm, and on corn, peas, and acorns. It also 

 digs up and eats the roots of many plants, and, in gardens, 

 is very destructive to tulips and crocuses. Numerous berries 

 also form a large portion of its diet. It is very fond 

 of the fruit of the snowberry, Symphoria racemosa, and of 

 that of the Berheris acuifolia, and much appreciates salt. It 

 is subject to great variation of plumage, white and pied birds 

 being often met with. The variety called Bohemian is found 

 in a few preserves. 



