CHAPTER VI. PHEASANTS. 



COVERTS. 



NO one would attempt to preserve pheasants without the 

 requisite amount of covert, nor would anyone who has 

 already obtained a head of birds upon his land expect to 

 maintain them without due attentions to the proper condition 

 of his coverts. Of the particular descriptions of woodland 

 most suited for the purpose we have already spoken, but 

 it is to be added that these are capable in very many 

 instances of considerable improvement. Of the nature of 

 this we shall speak presently. Meanwhile, one or two 

 words with regard to the formation of pheasant coverts. 

 We will not, of course, enter on a dissertation more suited 

 to arboriculture than pheasant rearing, but we may at least 

 furnish those who contemplate planting coverts for pheasants 

 with a few hints as to the most suitable form they should 

 take. 



The best aspect for a pheasant covert is a S.W. one, 

 and the best position, the side of a hill, or on undulating 

 ground facing the S.W. quarter. The land should be dry, 

 without being sterile, and must be intersected by running 



