CHAPTER X. 



REEVES' PHEASANT 

 (Phasianus Reevesii). 



A Noble Bird Introduction Large Numbers Bred 

 Tail: Length, Markings, and Shape Colours of 

 Cock Colours of Hen Adaptability for Breeding 

 and Rearing Number of Hens to Cock Pugnacity 

 of Cocks Eating Eggs Treatment for Hatching 

 and Rearing Feeding "The Pheasant of the 

 Future " Packing. 



NDOUBTEDLY the noblest of our pheasants, 

 and by far the largest, is the Reeves' ; and 

 if his plumage lacks the gorgeous colours 

 of some other varieties, his length of tail and general 

 appearance will compensate for his quieter, but still 

 handsome, colours. These birds were first brought to 

 this country, in 1831, by Mr. John Reeves. They are 

 natives of China, where the long tail feathers are 

 much prized. Reeves' pheasants are now common 

 all over the United Kingdom ; in fact, I have sent 

 them to every part, and no doubt large numbers have 

 been bred by others. Lord Tweed mouth has them 



