CHAPTER IX. 



THE SCEMMERRING PHEASANT 

 (Phasianus Scemmerringii). 



Introduction Precautions to Protect Hens from Cocks 

 Colours of Cock Colours of Hen Domesticity 

 Number of Hens to Cock P. Scintillans. 



iR. REGINALD RUSSELL is said to have 

 introduced this variety, in 1864. At present 

 there are but few specimens in this country, 

 for, unfortunately, the males are most pugnacious, 

 and very apt to kill the females. The best precau- 

 tion that we know of is to cut one wing hard, and 

 to leave plenty of cover to conceal the hen. 



The adult male is very handsome a golden copper 

 colour, every feather having a margin of white and 

 black ; eye red ; tail also reddish, with wide, reddish 

 bars, shading into a pale colour. The bird is 

 called Ki-ji in Japan, from the note he makes ; and, 

 by some, the Copper pheasant. I am told by persons 

 who have shot them, that they look like meteors 

 as they flash in the sun when flying. Those who 

 have seen living specimens, even in this country. 



