A SELF-SUPPORTING HOME 



A few cedar boughs in one corner will provide 

 the shelter in which these shy, secretive birds 

 love to hide at the approach of any strange 

 presence. 



If you desire to be extravagant, erect a 

 round, rustic enclosure on the front lawn and 

 invest in a pair of mature golden pheasants 

 to occupy it; for of all the varieties this is 

 the most amusing and attractive, because of 

 the activity of the birds and their apparent 

 desire to show off their beauty. The male 

 has an orange and black throat, a golden 

 back, steel-blue wing coverts, green shoul- 

 ders, and a vivid red breast, so that he has 

 every excuse for his vanity. 



For mere ornament, the males of three or 

 four fancy species can all be kept in one en- 

 closure and will live peacefully; but never 

 attempt to keep two or more pairs together, 

 for Mr. Pheasant has such a jealous, pugna- 

 cious nature, that a battle to the death is 

 sure to ensue. 



227 



