44 THE PHEASANT. 



is by no means deficient in at least some of the contrivances ne- 

 cessary for its own preservation. 



As the cold weather draws on, the pheasants begin to fly at 

 sunset into the branches of the oak trees, for roosting during the 

 night. This they do more frequently as the winter advances, 

 and the trees lose their foliage. The male birds, at these times, 

 make a noise, which they repeat three or four times, called by 

 sportsmen, coc&eting. The hens, on flying up, utter one shrill 

 whistle, and then are silent. Foxes destroy great numbers of 

 pheasants. 



The males begin to crow the first week in March. This 

 noise can be heard at a considerable distance. They will occa- 

 sionally come into farm yards in the vicinity of coverts where 

 they abound, and sometimes produce a cross breed with the 

 common fowls. 



It has been contended that pheasants are so shy as not to be 

 tamed without great difficulty. Where, however, their natural 

 fear of man has been counteracted from their having been bred 

 under his protection ; and where he has almost constantly ap- 

 peared before their eyes in their coverts, they will come to feed 

 immediately on hearing the keeper's whistle. They will follow 

 him in flocks ; and scarcely allow the pease to run from his bag 

 into the troughs placed for the purpose, before they begin to 

 eat. Those that cannot find room at one trough, follow him 

 with the same familiarity to others. 



Pheasants are found in most parts of England ; but are sel- 

 dom seen in Scotland ; while in Ireland, I am not certain that 

 there are any in a state of freedom. Wood and corn lands 

 seem necessary to their existence. 



The general weight of male pheasants is from two pounds and 

 twelve ounces, to three pounds and four ounces. That of the 

 hens, is usually about ten ounces less. 



The female birds have sometimes been known to assume the 



