278 THE KEEPER'S BOOK 



time. In putting back the chicks there is no need to 

 select special chicks for special hens. Chicks must never 

 be let out very early if there is frost or heavy dew on 

 the grass. Remember, covers should be kept quiet, or 

 birds will leave them ; no stray dogs, or shooting rabbits 

 round covers at evening ; no broken fences to permit 

 of cattle straying in them. Keepers on their rounds 

 need not leave the rides for fear of disturbing the game. 

 Encourage plenty of undergrowth, wild berries, and 

 hazel for natural food in coverts. Where there are none, 

 transplant in autumn or spring. How many keepers 

 trouble about this ? 



Mr. Carnegie's Table of Food for Young Pheasants. 

 See opposite page. 



Other authorities recommend hard - boiled eggs 

 passed through a sieve with a little specially prepared 

 biscuit-meal or oatmeal, as the food of the young birds. 

 No water should be given at any time. The moist food 

 supplies enough. No food should be given to the chicks 

 for the first twelve hours after hatching. A good supply 

 of insect food, as in the case of young partridges, is 

 of great benefit, and when this is not obtainable maggots 

 maybe given, These may be obtained from the bodies 

 of dead crows. 



But whatever plan of feeding is adopted and the 

 variations are too elaborate for us to dwell upon them 

 in detail war should be severely waged against the 

 habitual extravagance connected with pheasant-feeding. 

 Overfeeding and waste are rampant in most places 



