THE TRUE PHEASANTS. a3 
soon reached, was covered with short grass and some little 
clusters of shrubs, with scattered fragments of rocks ; and as 
I 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. e/egaus 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. 7 
Females of this species are occasionally met with in male 
plumage, 
Nest and Eggs,—Very similar to those of the Common 
Pheasant. 
12 D 
