THE PHEASANT FAMILY 31 



They were introduced only a few years ago and 

 now number about 150. 



On the engrossing topic of the actual 

 shooting value of these various pheasants 

 and their hybrids, there has been perhaps 

 more said to little purpose than on any 

 other subject connected with shooting. 

 All start with the same object, to make 

 their pheasants fly higher and stronger 

 than before ; to effect their common 

 purpose, some insist on the advantage 

 of a cross with the Mongolian ; others 

 would have a dash of versicolor in the 

 strain, others again will have nothing to 

 say for our ring-necked stock, with or 

 without new blood, but swear exclusively 

 by the old race of ringless birds. 



In good truth there is nothing in it ; 

 any healthy mongrel will fly as well as 

 could be wished, if only he be given 

 sufficient inducement : and it is hard to 

 believe that the chance-come cross of our 

 countryside is in this respect one whit 

 inferior to any pure-bred stock or care- 

 fully selected strain. Old keepers cherish 



