PHEASANT SHOOTING 



Raising pheasants with the assistance of hens has always 

 been practised, but the system of keeping birds pinioned or 

 in captivity for breeding purposes would seem to have fallen 

 into disuse for many years. At all events the Field of January 

 1857 contains a description of the methods whereby a gentle- 

 man, resident in the north, had succeeded in breeding from 

 captive birds ; and his communication is welcomed as indicat- 

 ing means whereby the too prevalent offence of game-egg 

 stealing might be checked. The egg-stealing industry in those 

 days was widespread, the system of hatching out pheasants' 

 eggs under hens providing a ready and profitable market. 



Ill 



