2 7 8 



PHEASANTS AND BUSTARDS. 



home, but soon afterwards released. On the door being opened, 

 however, he went out without any sign of fear, and, with a 

 deliberate step, paced backwards and forwards in front of the 

 house, and manifested an inclination to join the fowls in the 



The Pheasant. 



poultry-yard. It should be remarked, that the young lady, 

 when attacked, wore a scarlet mantle, which probably excited 

 the irritability of the Pheasant, as it is well known to do that 

 of the Turkey-cock and some other animals. 



The case of the Bustard occurred some years ago on Tilshead 

 Downs, in Wiltshire, in the month of June, to a man who was 

 going along the road on horseback, about four o'clock -in the 

 morning. His attention was first turned to a large bird flying 

 above his head, which proved to be a Bustard, though till 

 then he had scarcely ever heard of such a bird. He had not 

 proceeded far before it had alighted on the ground, immediately 

 in front of the horse, which it soon showed signs of attacking, 

 and in a few seconds began the onset. The rider dismounted 

 with all speed, and getting hold of the Bustard, endeavoured 

 to secure it, in which, after a long and severe struggle, he 

 succeeded, and carried it to the house of the person to whom 

 he was going, where it was confined. During the first week 

 it was not known to eat anything ; but, finally, it became very 

 tame, and would take food from the hands of those accustomed 

 to feed it, though it still continued shy ill the presence «»f 



