POULTRY AND PHEASANTS 225 



part of the Continent, also to the United States and 

 the Colonies. The former firm keep 2,500 hens In 

 confinement, and in the height of the season send 

 off, from Berkhamstead station alone, over 70,000 

 eggs a week, and in September supply more than 

 50,000 live birds for the various battues in the 

 ensuing month. Mr. Leno also provides a large 

 quantity, but his business is chiefly abroad. Messrs. 

 Robb, of Liphook, in Hampshire, are as large 

 dealers as these mentioned. The breed now chiefly 

 used is the ring-necked variety ; the old brown or 

 ringless birds being nearly given up, but the cocks are 

 extensively used for crossing with the ring-necked. 

 They are considered a hardier variety, but not so 

 prolific. The Chinese is a remarkably beautiful 

 variety, and is often used to cross our own breeds. 

 The roaming propensity of these birds renders them 

 less useful than the others. It may thus be seen what 

 a great business this egg laying and pheasant rearing 

 has become. All the establishments I have men- 

 tioned are well worth a visit. Pheasant rearing can 

 only be profitably conducted on suitable soils, which 

 should be dry, and on tolerably high ground. The 

 chalk range of the Chilterns seems peculiarly adapted 

 for success. It may not be generally known that 

 the pheasant is a native of Persia. The ornamental 

 varieties are amongst the most beautiful of all the 

 feathered creation, more especially the Golden, the 

 Reeves, and the Impeyan birds ; these make a very 

 attractive addition to any ornamental grounds and 

 parks. 



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