354 THE RING-NECKED PHEASANT. 



introduced in Europe from the banks of the Phasis, (near the 

 Rioni,) a river in Chalchis, in Asia Minor. Of the time of 

 its introduction we are not certain. As early as the year 

 1299, it is mentioned (Echard's History) as worth four pence; 

 and two hundred of them made part of the great feast of the 

 Archbishop Neville, about the middle of the fifteenth century. 



The markings and splendid hues of the plumage of the 

 male bird are generally known, and so well set forth by the 

 artist, that any detailed description will be unnecessary. 



The ringed variety chiefly inhabits the forests of China, 

 where the common kind is also abundant ; but in this state 

 they never breed together. The Eggs of the former also 

 differ; they are of a pale bluish green, marked with small 

 blotches of a deeper tint, while those of the latter variety are 

 of an olive-white, and without any spots. 



Of the habits of these birds, in a state of nature, we know 

 but little, and yet have no reason to doubt their similarity to 

 those exhibited in their present half domestic state in Europe 

 and this country. 



As they are now found in preserves, woods with a thick 

 under-growth of brush, brambles, long grass, &c., interspersed 

 with open glades, which some little stream refreshes and the 

 sun enlivens, are their delight during the day, and from which 

 they run, morning and evening, to the open skirts, where some 

 favourite food abounds. It is in their way to such feeding 

 grounds, that they are so easily secured by unscrupulous per- 

 sons; for, never taking flight, unless disturbed, they run and 

 thread their way through these tangled brakes, and leave pas- 

 sages which are easily distinguished by the practised eye of 

 the poacher. During the winter, the Pheasant goes regularly to 

 roost ; but, in the summer, and when moulting, they do not 

 tree, but squat among the long grass, offering themselves, in 

 this way, an easy prey to another class of enemies, as Polecats, 

 Foxes, &c. The males, in general, associate among themselves 



