28o PHEASANTS. 



But as they are very plentiful layers — a pair belonging to a 

 gentleman near Dover having been known, in one season, to 

 lay the extraordinary number of one hundred and eighty-three 

 eggs — and may, with proper attention, be easily reared, we see 

 no reason why they may not be successfully introduced, and 

 abundantly supply any country in the world. 



The following directions for rearing them under hens have 

 been, we know, adopted with success : — A sufficient number 

 ^f eggs being provided, put them under a hen that has kept 

 her nest for three or four days; and, if two or three hens 

 happen to sit on the same day, an opportunity will be afforded 

 of shifting the good eggs. At the end of ten or twelve days, 

 examine, and throw away those that are bad, and set the same 

 hen or hens again, if sitting hens should be numerous. The 

 hens having sat their full time, such of the young Pheasants 

 as are already hatched must be put into a basket with a piece 

 of flannel, till the hen has done hatching. Then place the 

 whole brood under a frame, with a net over it, and a covered 

 place for the hen, so as to confine her, but leave the young 

 Pheasants at liberty to leave or return to her at pleasure. 

 Their food must consist of boiled eggs cut small, boiled milk 

 and bread, alum curd, and ants' eggs — a little of each, and 

 often. Rice may also be given, softened by boiling ; and 

 instead of ants' eggs, which in some places are not easily pro- 

 cured, or in addition to them, maggots from decayed, flesh 

 may be used. Artificial ants' eggs may be easily made, com- 

 posed of flour, beaten up with an egg and shell together, and 

 the pellets rubbed between the fingers to a proper size. 



After two or three days, they will be acquainted with the 

 call of their foster-mother, and they may then be allowed to 

 run upon a grass plot, or elsewhere ; the edge of a cornfield 

 is very desirable, as they like the tall stems, and soon learn 

 to pick up the green grains, — taking care to shift them with 

 the sun, and guard them from cold winds. They ought not 

 to be released in the morning before the sun is up, and they 

 must be shut in with the hen in good time in the evening. 

 When they are old enough, those that are to be turned out* 

 wild ought to be taught to perch. This is done by tying a 



