CHAPTER VII. 



THE LADY AM H ERST PHEASANT 



(Thaumalea Amherstidp). 



Introduction Suitability for Rearing in a Wild State 

 Uses to the Salmon-fly Maker Colours of Cock 

 Colours of Hen Breeding and Rearing Quarrel- 

 some Cocks and Hens Number of Hens to Cock 

 Ha rdin ess Feeding. 



fHE first of these birds were brought to this 

 country by Lady Amherst. They soon died, 

 and it was left to Mr. Stone, of Scyborwen, 

 near Monmouth, in 1869, to be the introducer of the 

 stock from which our first birds were bred ; since that 

 time many have been imported, and the birds are now 

 very general favourites. At first the prices were very 

 high, but they are now moderate enough to place the 

 birds within the reach of most pheasant-keepers. 

 Amhersts do well even in a wild state ; and a great 

 many, and also their crosses with the Gold, are now 

 at large in the Earl of Annesley's grounds, at Castle- 

 wellan, Co. Down. Lord Tweedmouth has also written 

 to me that he has had a cock at liberty for some time 



