356 THE EING-NECKED PHEASANT. 



specimen were ineffectual. The common Pheasant breeds 

 also freely with the Ring-necked bird, and the offspring is pro- 

 ductive ; this by some is regarded as a proof that these two 

 birds are identical. 



The following paragraph, which I quote from Mr. Nolan, of 

 Dublin, will be interesting to those who desire to try their 

 skill in breeding and rearing this beautiful bird. He says : 



" The Pheasant is not only beautiful to the eye, but most de- 

 licate when served to the table. Its flesh is considered the 

 greatest dainty. When the old physicians spoke of the whole- 

 someness of any viands, they made their comparison with the 

 flesh of the Pheasant. No matter with what care they have 

 been bred or propagated, they disdain the protection of man, 

 and shelter in the thickest covers and remotest forests. All 

 others of the Domestic Fowl submit to the protection of man ; 

 but the Pheasant never has, preferring the scanty produce of 

 acorns and berries to the abundant supply of a farm-yard. The 

 Hen Pheasant, in a wild state, hatches and brings up her brood 

 with patience, vigilance, and courage ; but when kept tame, she 

 never sits well. A substitute must be found in the clean- 

 legged Bantam, the larger Fowl being too heavy for the Chicks. 

 Her time of laying is about the middle of April, and, if in an 

 aviary, the Eggs should be immediately removed, and placed 

 in dry bran or chaff, until you wish to set them. They are 

 about twenty-four days coming out. After the young ones ap- 

 pear, they are not to be fed for twenty-four hours, after which 

 give them hard-boiled Egg, chopped fine, and mixed with oat- 

 meal, ant-mould, cheese, curd, lettuce cut fine, white flour 

 wetted with sweet milk, bread crumbs, bread and milk, with 

 very limited drink. Be particular to preserve them from cold 

 and moisture. You will have to confine the Hen, so as to pre 

 vent her eating their food ; and you will have to provide them 

 with maggots. In the neighbourhood of Paris, where they rear 

 quantities of young Fowl, for the market, they prepare what 



