CHAPTER V. 



HAND-REARED PHEASANTS IN COVERT. 



The real time of anxiety for the rearer is the 

 period after the young pheasants have been 

 removed to covert, and before they resort regularly 

 to roost each night. For a time following upon 

 removal the birds are certain to juk in the grass, 

 and if a fox finds them while indulging in this 

 lamentable practice he is in a position to thin 

 their ranks seriously. As it is not an easy matter 

 to detect his presence in, or drive him out of a 

 piece of thick covert at night, no precaution must 

 be neglected. 



Upon an estate where foxes are to be feared the 

 broods are best retained on the rearing-field as 

 long as possible, so that they may become 

 thoroughly strong, able to fly into the trees, and 

 to some extent look after their own safety. Of 

 course, they cannot be kept on the field longer 

 than they can be confined in the coops, because of 

 the necessity of shutting them in for removal, but, 



