REEVES'S PHEASANT. 



189 



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 intro- 

 duced 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 writes : — '^ 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 ; ic is veiy 

 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." 



