The Common Pheasant. 63 



being very dark, with small, black spots, instead of the 

 large ones now seen on the common pheasants ; the 

 tail also being particularly well marked with dark, rich 

 bars, and fringed with maroon-red ; Saddle red, no 

 sign of grey, as in the modern pheasant. 



In this chapter I propose to place before my readers 

 a few of the plans adopted for breeding this variety, 

 leaving it to them to select the one they fancy to be* 

 best suited to their requirements. 



Most I think I may say all breeders object to 

 permanent pens; they like each year to put the birds 

 on fresh ground. The site requires great care in selec- 

 tion ; it should be on moderately sloping land, certainly 

 well drained, and as free as possible from anything 

 likely to disturb the birds. Perhaps old turf is as good 

 as anything : it is generally recommended to break up 

 this turf, so that impurities will the more readily be 

 absorbed. The best subsoil is gravel ; the worst, stiff 

 clay. The pens are all the better for the shelter of 

 a belt of firs ; and it is very desirable, if possible, that 

 they be placed near the keeper's cottage, so that he 

 may at all times be able to keep an eye on them. 



Place stout posts in the ground, standing 4ft. or 

 5ft. out ; to these either nail wire netting, or slabs, 

 or boards. One of the plans recommended is to board 

 or slab up from the bottom, say 2ft. 6in., and finish 

 above this with 2in. wire netting. Great care must 

 be taken to let the boards into the ground so as to 

 prevent vermin working in ; or you can have hurdles 

 made of strips of beech or oak ; these can easily be 



