NATURAL HISTORY. 



PHASIANUS. 



Colclucus (Lat. Colchian), the Pheasant. 



fhe COMMON PHEASANT was originally brought from Georgia, 

 aad has completely naturalised itself in this country. It is a 

 hardy bird, and bears the cold months very well. Although it 

 can be tamed and will come to be fed with the poultry, yet an 

 innate timidity prevents it from being thoroughly domesticated. 

 Young pheasants that have been hatched under a hen, scamper 

 off in terror if an unexpected intruder makes his appearance 

 among them, although the remainder of the poultry remain 

 perfectly unconcerned. 



This bird loves to perch at night on trees, especially on the 

 spreading branches of the larch. Poachers are so well aware 

 of this habit that they always visit the larches first, while on 

 their marauding excursions. A few spruce-firs surrounded 

 by dense and tall holly hedges form an excellent place of refuge 

 for the birds, who can bid the poacher defiance from their 

 stronghold. A few dozen wooden pheasants nailed on the 

 branches of the unguarded trees, are admirably adapted for 



