BIRDS IN THE CALENDAR 
endeavoured to cite the mangold as its staple 
food. This, however, is political, and not 
natural history. Although, however, like all 
grain-eating birds, the pheasant is no doubt 
capable of inflicting appreciable damage on 
cultivated land, it seems to be established 
beyond all question that it also feeds greedily 
on the even more destructive larva of the 
crane-fly, in which case it may more than 
pay its footing in the fields. The foodstuff 
most fatal to itself is the yew leaf, for which, 
often with fatal results, it seems to have an 
unconquerable craving. The worst disease, 
however, from which the pheasant suffers 
is " gapes," caused by an accumulation of 
small red worms hi the windpipe that all 
but suffocate the victim. 
Reference has been made to the bird's 
great speed in the air, as well as to its effi- 
ciency as a runner. It remains only to add 
that it is also a creditable swimmer and has 
been seen to take to water when escaping 
from its enemies. 
The polygamous habit has been mentioned. 
Ten or twelve eggs, or more, are laid in the 
simple nest of leaves, and this is generally 
16 
