15 



CHAP. XXXI. 



REARING PHEASANTS AND PARTRIDGES. — FOOD FOR YOUNG BIRDS. 

 — PARTRIDGES ARE STATIONARY. — TAKING PARTRIDGES AVTTS 

 NETS. 



In the rearing of jDlieasants and partridges yon sliould 

 be well provided with coops, which should have railings 

 in front, the top covered with a fine net ; the railing 

 .should be of sufficient width to allow the young birds 

 to run out and in. The great advantage of coops is that 

 you can frequently change the ground on which they 

 are placed, and prevent its being tainted, which would 

 be almost sure to bring on disease in the brood. A 

 decided preference is given to bantam fowls in the 

 hatching of pheasant and partridge eggs, on account 

 of their being of less weight, and particularly atten- 

 tive in performing all -the duties of rearing their 

 young. \Mien the pheasants are first hatched they 

 should be fed with hard-boiled eggs, crumbs of bread, 

 and lettuce leaves, well mixed with an addition of the 

 eggs of meadow ants. At this tender age two pre- 

 cautions are essential ; viz. never to allow them any 

 drink, nor carry them abroad until the dew is entirely 

 off the grass (every kind of humidity being injurious). 

 They must be fed frequently and in small quantities, 

 beginning at daybreak, and always mixing it with 

 ant eggs. Cleanliness is most essential as regards the 



