312 BIRDS OF SOMERSETSHIRE. 



species, although Yarrell, " for want of space," gives 

 no separate history of it : it appears to me, however, 

 to he a distinct species, and therefore to require a 

 notice as much as other nearly allied and similar 

 species. 



The Eingnecked Pheasant was very many years 

 later in its introduction into England than the former 

 species. Montagu, who wrote his 'Dictionary' in 

 1802, says it was first introduced by the late Duke 

 of Northumberland, but he does not give the exact 

 date. It now appears to be almost as common as 

 the other species, and to have been so frequently 

 crossed with it that, in England at least, it would 

 be impossible to separate the species, or to rely 

 upon getting either of them genuine. 



In food and habits the two species are quite 

 similar, and the only distinction in plumage is the 

 white ring, or rather half-circle (for I think it never 

 quite joins in front), and perhaps a greener hue on 

 the long hackles of the rump. The females appear 

 to be quite the same, although I have heard keepers 

 say they can distinguish the two. 



The egg also is like that of the last species. 



Some other species have lately been introduced 

 into England, but have not yet been long enough in 

 the country, or become sufficiently established, to 

 claim a place amongst British birds. This system 

 of crossing appears to me to be mischievous, as 



