133 THE PHEASANT, THE LAPWING. 



THE COMMON PHEASANT. 



Next to the peacock, the pheasant, both for the vivid 

 colour of its plumes and their delightful mixtures and 

 variety, is the most beautiful of the winged tribe. No 

 effects of the pencil can produce any thing so glossy and 

 brilliant, or so delicately blended. It is reported that 

 Crcesus, king of Lydia, when seated on his throne, in all 

 the pomp and costume of the eastern splendour, asked 

 Solon if he had ever seen any thing so magnificent. The 

 philosopher, unawed by Majesty, and priding himself on 

 his native freedom and simplicity, replied ; that, after 

 having seen the beautiful plumage of the pheasant, he 

 could be dazzled by no other finery. 



The pheasant, however, is not only beautiful to the eye, 

 but is also a peculiar delicacy for the table ; but, as if shun- 

 ning the protection of men, it loves to inhabit the thickest 

 woods and most unfrequented parts of the forest. Though 

 removed from its native warm and genial climates, it still 

 preserves its innate predilection for freedom ; and now 

 lives wild and untamed among us, ornamenting our parks 

 and forests ; where it feeds on acorns, berries, and grain. 



In a wild state the hen pheasant lays from eighteen to 

 twenty eggs in a season ; but, in a state of captivity, she 

 seldom produces more than ten. In a state of nature, she 

 hatches and rears her young with resolution, vigilence, and 

 patience ; but, when kept tame, she becomes remiss in 

 these duties, and a common hen is generally made her 

 substitute. 



THE CRESTED LAPWING 



Is about thirteen inches and a half in length: its plumage 

 is very elegant ; the head and breast are of a glossy black : 

 the back of green gold ; the under parts white ; the tail 

 white and black. It is common in most parts of Europe, 

 particularly in Holland. It frequents marshy places, 

 whether in the vicinity of rivers or not. In the winter it 

 associates in flocks of four and five hundred or more, and 

 is at that season much esteemed for the table ; the eggs 

 also are considered a delicacy. The female lays four 

 eggs, in a hole in the ground : they are of an olive brown 



