CHAPTER IV.-PHEASANTS. 



REARING BY HAND. 



mode of obtaining a stock of pheasants has now 

 JL become almost universal, and the success with which it 

 is carried on is a recommendation which cannot be ignored. 

 The inexperienced preserver, however, who would be initi- 

 ated into the mysteries of hand-rearing pheasants, otherwise 

 than by observation of the operations of a practised and suc- 

 cessful hand, has many difficulties to overcome. Chief of 

 these will probably be the latent and conflicting character of 

 the advice offered from all quarters. It is with considerable 

 diffidence, therefore, that we now approach this important 

 part of our subject, knowing full well how difficult it is to 

 acquire the practical insight into these matters which they 

 demand. We are also fully aware how difficult it is to enun- 

 ciate a system of operations which may form a basis for any 

 modifications that differences of locality and conditions may 

 necessitate. In putting forward, then, the following instruc- 

 tions, we are cognisant of the fact, that although they may 

 not hold good on every occasion, and in every instance, they 

 are at least practical, and may be varied to a very large 



