192 RING-NECKED PHEASANT. 



they must have been early abundant ; for in the < 

 ballad of the Field of Otterbourne, we have 



The roo full rekeles there sche rinnes, 

 To make the game and glee ; 

 The Fawkon and the Fesaunt both, 

 Among the haltes on hee. 



The markings and varying and splendid hues < 

 the plumage of the male Pheasant are so well knov 

 and have been so often celebrated, that any detaili 

 description will be unnecessary. Pope's poetical de- 

 scription is extensively known : that of another, per- 

 haps less frequently quoted, will give some idea of 

 his splendid appearance : 



Splendid his form, his eyes of flaming gold 

 Two fiery rings of living scarlet hold; 

 His arching neck a varying beauty shows, 

 Now rich with azure, now with emerald glows ; 

 His swelling breast with glossy purple shines, 

 Chestnut his back, and waved with ebon lines, 

 To his broad wings gay hues their radiance lend, 

 His mail-clad legs two knightly spurs defend. 



In this country we have, however, Pheasants which 

 exhibit a marked difference in the want or presence 

 of the pure and conspicuous white ring which en- 

 circles the neck. These, by sportsmen, and many 

 ornithologists, have been considered as varieties on- 

 ly ; while Temminck, who compared native spe- 

 cimens of each, thinks them completely distinct. 

 Out of India they breed freely together, and it is im- 



