96 PHEASANTS. 



In the Autumn of 1826, a wandering Pheasant 

 made its appearance in a small valley of the Gram- 

 pians, the first of the species ever noticed so far 

 north in that part of the country. For some time, 

 it was only occasionally observed, and its presence 

 actually doubted; Winter wants, however, brought 

 it more frequently into notice; and in due season, 

 more unequivocal proofs became apparent. For 

 when the chicken broods of common poultry came 

 forth, and approached to maturity, no small admi- 

 ration was excited by certain stately, long-tailed, 

 game-looking birds standing forth amongst them, 

 and continuing to grow in size and beauty, until all 

 doubts of direct relationship with the Pheasant 

 effectually vanished. These hybrids partook largely 

 of the character of the parent stranger, and, as they 

 were found to grow to a good size, and possess 

 hardy constitutions, a useful and agreeable variety 

 for the poultry-yards was secured, in a thus simple 

 and unlooked-for manner. 



Pheasants are not what is termed indigenous in 

 this country, that is, originally produced or bred 

 here; but were imported from the Eastern countries, 

 to which they are chiefly confined. Their short 

 wings and heavy bodies are little calculated for long 

 flights, which may, in a great measure, account for 

 their remaining so long in one particular part of the 

 world, and explain the cause why none have yet 

 been found in America. But as they are very 

 plentiful layers, a pair belonging to a gentleman 

 near Dover having been known, in one season, to lay 

 the extraordinary number of one hundred and eighty- 

 three eggs, and may, with proper attention, be easily 



