TAME PHEASANTS. 75 



nest may be placed in the most exposed and dan- 

 gerous situation, within a few inches of a footpath 

 traversed by hundreds of idle, bird-nesting boys, 

 and in the immediate vicinity of a common or 

 waste ground, where the authority of the landlord 

 is a dead letter, and where, except for the safe- 

 guard which the quiet and unobtrusive colours 

 of her plumage afford, the speedy detection of 

 the bird would inevitably take place. Still there 

 are circumstances under which it may be de- 

 sirable to remove the eggs, and in these the 

 prudent keeper must act according to his judg- 

 ment. Should he, for instance, have reason to 

 believe that the nest has been previously dis- 

 covered by another party, who are only waiting 

 until the full complement of eggs are laid, that 

 they may pounce upon the prize with greater 

 advantage, he will do well to place them quietly 

 in the crown of his hat, and covering them with 

 several handfuls of soft, dry grass, and lastly 

 with his handkerchief, lodge them as soon as 

 possible in a cool cellar, unless there is a sufficient 

 number for a sitting, and a domestic hen ready 

 for immediate incubation. 



As the laying season approaches, it is advis- 

 able for the keeper to look out in all the neigh- 

 bouring farm-yards and cottages for clean-legged 

 barn-door hens. Some persons recommend ban- 



E 2 



