Reeves' Pheasants. 49 



are liable to indigestion, being greedy feeders. Do 

 not forget an ample supply of green food not much 

 hemp. 



Those who have tried breeding with Reeves' 

 pheasants in this country, say they are the " pheasant 

 of the future," and that they are well suited to our 

 coverts. They certainly are truly majestic birds ; 

 they breed freely, and their great size and beauty 

 render them an ornament to any estate. What a 

 picture would be a score or so of these great cocks 

 feeding close up to the mansion, as you frequently 

 see the common pheasant do ! As they would elicit 

 the admiration of all, one would hardly have the heart 

 to shoot them. In coverts, these birds keep pretty 

 much to themselves, and, if there are plenty of hens, 

 will not cross with the common pheasant. I hope to 

 see greater efforts made to introduce them, as the 

 price is now very moderate. One hen I bred in 1885 

 laid thirty eggs the next year. 



In packing these birds, ample room must be allowed 

 for the cock's tail ; in fact, he is best put in a basket 

 by himself, and the hens in another. 



