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SCEMMERING'S PHEASANT. 



Phasianus Scemmerinffii, TEMMIXCK. 

 PLATE XVII. 



Faisan Scemmering, Phasianus Soemmeringii, Temminc*', 

 Planches Coloriees, pis, 487 and 488. 



THIS very beautiful species was sent to the Dutch 

 collections by Dr Seiboldt from Japan, and is dedi- 

 cated to the venerable Soemmering byM. Temminck, 

 by whose description and 6gure it is only known. 



That naturalist describes it as intermediate in size 

 between the common and golden pheasants, or about 

 3 feet 6 inches long. The plumage of the male is 

 generally of a rich reddish-purple, with a shining or 

 bronzy lustre, the feathers bordered with a band 

 of still more brilliant appearance. Upon the under 

 parts and wings, the colour becomes of a redder 

 tint, with purple reflections, and mixed with large 

 black spots. The tail is long and very ample, clouded 

 with darker shades, and crossed with thirteen large 

 black bands. 



The female is much smaller, being about nineteen 

 inches long. The tail only about six inches in length, 

 perfectly wedge-shaped, is of a lively red ; the feathers 



