CHAPTER XIII. 



THE VERSICOLOR OR JAPANESE 

 PHEASANT 



(Phasianus versicolor}. 



4 



Introduction Abundant Layers Colours of Cock 

 Colours of Hen Feeding Pugnacity of Cocks 

 Cutting Wings Number of Hens to Lock Crossing 

 with the Common Pheasant. 



^J\sf| S the name implies, these birds are natives 

 of Japan, and have been known in Europe 

 about forty-seven years, the first specimens 

 having been brought to Amsterdam. Since our in- 

 creased intercourse with Japan, considerable quantities 

 have been imported. Versicolors are much smaller 

 than our birds, but I am informed that, when crossed 

 with them, the half-bred birds are of good size. I have 

 not tested this, as I am very particular in keeping 

 only pure blood. The hens are most abundant layers, 

 frequently yielding as many as forty eggs ; they are 

 hardy, good eating, and the cross is said to be very 

 desirable in the coverts. 



