200 PHEASANTS FOR COVERTS AND AVIARIES. 



the Soemmerring and the perfectly marked head of the 

 Reeves pheasant. They were exceedingly beautiful. 



Hybrids have also been produced between a male Reeves 

 pheasant and female Cheer (P. wallichii), but they have 

 little beyond their size to recommend them. In appearance 

 they look like dirty faded Reeves, with comparatively short 

 tails. They are of large size, like the parent species, and 

 would in all probability partake of those terrestrial habits of 

 the Cheer which preclude its being advantageously introduced 

 as a game bird, as it often refuses to rise, even when hunted 

 or pursued with dogs. 



A singular hybrid was produced and Described by Mr. R. 

 Sanders, of Heavitree, who wrote : " I have three most 

 beautiful male birds, bred between the Reeves and gold. The 

 size is about that of the male Reeves, but the plumage does 

 not in the least partake of that of either parent ; it is very 

 much like that of the copper pheasant of China (of which 

 I had several some years since), but not so dark. The chief 

 colour is a soft light brown, running into a light copper; the 

 marking on the head is somewhat after the Reeves ; the tail 

 very long." 



Through the kindness of Sir Digby Pigott I have received 

 some interesting statements respecting the fertility of cross- 

 bred Reeves and other pheasants, as reared on Lord Ducie's 

 estate. His lordship, writing to Sir Digby, says : 



tf My keeper knows of no case where hybrid Reeves have 

 proved fertile. 



" Reeves hybridizes with Common, Gold, and Silver 

 pheasant, but for one generation only. 



" The hybrid between Reeves and Gold has occurred once 

 in the wild state and once in confinement. 



" Reeves and Common pheasant makes a fine cross. The 

 resulting bird has a strange cry. I can detect them 200 to 

 300 yards, as it is very loud. 



" Reeves in a wild state produces about five eggs, and 

 rarely rears more than four young ; the Gold pheasant pro- 



