Gallince 175 



Conqueror, if not to an earlier period, when it is sup- 

 posed to have been brought from the river Phasis, 

 east of the Black Sea. Thence it only ranges eastward 

 to the Caspian and westward to Greece and Albania, 

 though many other species are found in the river 

 valleys of Asia, for Pheasants are naturally inclined 

 to damp or swampy localities. It is probably native 



Pheasant 



in south-east Europe. In Britain our birds occupy 

 the majority of the wooded districts, though less 

 plentiful in the north. The extremely rapid flight and 

 quick rise from the ground are characteristic, the crow 

 of the cock is heard throughout the land, and the 

 dozen or more olive eggs are probably known to most 

 of us. The nest is flat and scanty. The food, besides 

 artificial diet, consists of grain from stubbles, seeds, 



