192 RING-NECKED PHEASANT. 



they must have been early abundant ; for in the old 

 ballad of the Field of Otterbourne, we have 



The roo full rekeles there sche mines, 

 To make the game and glee ; 

 The Fawkon and the Fesaunt both, 

 Among the haltes on hee. 



The markings and varying and splendid hues of 

 the plumage of the male Pheasant are so well known 

 and have been so often celebrated, that any detailed 

 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- 



