306 PHEASANTS. 



sot the question at rest, and deserves the attention of 

 those who are interested in the improvement of their 

 race, of poultry. 



In the Autumn of 1826, a wandering Pheasant made 

 its appearance in a small valley of the Grampians, the 

 first of the species ever noticed so far north in that part 

 of the country. For some time it was only occasionally 

 observed, and its presence actually doubted. Winter 

 wants, however, brought it more frequently into notice ; 

 and in due season more unequivocal proofs became appa- 

 rent : for when the chicken broods of common poultry 

 came forth, and approached to maturity, no small admi- 

 ration was excited by certain stately, long-tailed, game- 

 looking birds standing forth amongst them, and continu- 

 ing to grow in size and beauty, until all doubts of direct 

 relationship with the Pheasant effectually vanished. 

 These hybrids partook largely of the character of the 

 parent stranger ; and as they were found to grow to a 

 good size, and possess hardy constitutions, a useful and 

 agreeable variety for the poultry-yards was secured, in a 

 thus simple and unlooked-for manner. 



Pheasants are not what is termed indigenous in this 

 country, that is, originally produced or bred here ; but 

 were imported from the eastern countries, to which they 

 are chiefly confined. Their short wings and heavy bodies 

 are little calculated for long flights, which may, in a 

 great measure, account for their remaining so long in 

 one particular part of the world, and explain the cause 

 why none have yet been found in America. But as they 

 are very plentiful layers, a pair belonging to a gentle- 

 man, near Dover, having been known, in one season, to 

 lay the extraordinary number of one hundred and eighty- 

 three eggs, and may, with proper attention, be easily 

 reared, we see no reason why they may not be success- 

 fully introduced, and abundantly supply any country in 

 the world. 



The following directions for rearing them under hens 

 have been, we know, adopted with success. A sufficient 



