Hand-reared Pheasants in Covert. 43 



for all this, they should not be taken to covert till 

 the last moment. During the final weeks the 

 pheasants are on the rearing-field it is a wise plan 

 to cut tall bushes and implant them amongst the 

 coops ; the birds learn to fly into these during the ,; 

 day, and afterwards more readily resort to roost ^ 

 when removed to covert. 



The rearer should endeavour to place his broods 

 in a piece of young covert containing trees of not 

 too large a size, the branches of which are easily 

 accessible from the ground. Under such circum- 

 stances they will soon fly to roost, but to put them 

 at first in a plot of tall covert is the way to make 

 them inveterate jukkers, and once they become 

 this it is only a matter of time before foxes secure 

 the larger number. Do not allow rabbit burrows 

 near to remain open, for these attract foxes to the 

 vicinity ; it is really wiser to taint every one, and 

 drive the occupants away, as rabbits invite stoats 

 and weasels in addition to foxes. 



Neither is it advisable to transfer the broods 

 from the rearing-field to a covert too big, as one 

 of not more than a few acres with a clear space 

 all round is much safer in every way and more 

 easily guarded. The rides on which the young 

 pheasants feed should be wide, and the under- 

 growth near must be well cut back so that it will 



