Pheasants Rearing by Hand. 23 



extent according to requirements, into the multifarious nature 

 of which there is no need to enquire. 



The sources of the egg supply having been already 

 enlarged upon, the question which next commands attention is 

 the conditions under which they can be hatched off. Pheasants, 

 when confined, show little or no disposition to incubate, and 

 they are to all practical intents and purposes quite useless 

 for this purpose under any but natural conditions, conse- 

 quently we must have recourse to the common fowl for 

 hatching the eggs. As in most other of the details relating 

 to the hand-rearing of pheasants, opinions differ as to the 

 particular description of fowl best adapted to the require- 

 ments. Invariably we find bantams, or any small hens, 

 recommended, but we always consider a medium sized, 

 crossbred fowl, of the usual " henny short-legs," farm-yard 

 description, as quite satisfactory, while, if one must have 

 a particular sort, then the half-bred silkies are the best. 

 It does not, however, matter very much so long as a light 

 but thickly feathered fowl, of quiet unexcitable nature is 

 chosen. 



When the time for setting is approaching, steps must be 

 taken beforehand to obtain a good supply of broody hens 

 of the desired type, so that the eggs can be set off fresh 

 and without interruption. It is also always desirable we 

 might with good cause say necessary that several hens be 

 put up at the same time, so that the unfertile eggs may be 

 removed and replaced by others in an equally forward state 

 of incubation from one nest devoted to this purpose, while 

 a large number of chicks are hatched out at the same time, 

 and so a saving of trouble be effected. Of the efficacy of 



