PREFACE. 



F all the birds inhabiting these Islands, there 

 is probably no bird that causes its owners 

 the amount of care, trouble, and anxiety 

 that the Common Pheasant does, no other bird 

 affording the same amount of sport, and, I may 

 add, causing so much poaching and misery. These 

 remarks apply principally to our old variety; but 

 during recent times, intercourse with other countries, 

 and rapid means of transit, have enabled us to add 

 to this one solitary variety numerous of the gorgeous 

 pheasants of other climes, for the most part even 

 far handsomer than our bird, and with constitutions 

 hardy enough to stand our severest winters. 



For many years I have been a most enthusiastic 

 admirer of all pheasants, each year breeding several 

 varieties, frequently in considerable number, and 

 always on the look-out for any fresh introductions. 

 I have corresponded with many others on the sub- 

 ject, collecting all the information possible, and have 

 bought, sold, and exchanged, so as always to keep 

 my stock at the very highest pitch of perfection ; and 



M370301 



