4094 The Zoologist — August, 1874. 



Chinese pheasant as though it were a distinct species, and yet 

 speaks of our pheasant being brought about by the intermixture 

 of three kinds; this seems rather unsatisfactory. Supposing them 

 to be species, there is no probability of intermixture ; supposing 

 them geographical varieties, the intermixture is a matter of course : 

 we wish the term kinds had been avoided. Mr. Gould proceeds 

 thus : — 



"Most of the pheasauts now spread over erery county of the British 

 islands are mongrels, brought about by the interbreeding of three kinds, 

 and their progeny are but too often rickety and sickly creatures. 



" Whilst on the subject of interbreeding, I should wish to draw the 

 attention of sportsmen to the advantages likely to accrue from the inter- 

 breeding of our grouse with that of Norway [Tetrao Saliceti). Ornithologists 

 are questioning whether these are not one and the same species, and if the 

 differences existing between the two may not be due to the influence of 

 climate. Should such be the case (and I think it probable), then the intro- 

 duction of the original stock would doubtless effect an improvement in the 

 health and vigour of our birds. Prof. Kasch, of Christiania, believes the 

 two so-called species to be identical, and is introducing our grouse into his 

 country, partly to determine this point, and partly for the sake of the 

 infusion of fresh blood." — Pp. 15, 16. 



The subject, however, is too interesting to be dropped, and I am 

 sure no one will object to another passage exhibiting the result of 

 Mr. Gould's "ample experience," every word of which will be read 

 with interest. 



" Had I not had ample experience on the subject of naturalization, I should 

 not have prolonged these remarks ; but having for the last forty years been 

 a close observer of the denizens of the Gardens of the Zoological Society of 

 London, a Society justly popular for its interest and usefulness, I have not 

 failed to note that, however high our hopes may have been raised respecting 

 the probability of the successful introduction of many valuable species, 

 nothing but bitter disappointment has been the result. Two or three 

 instances will suffice. Soon after the arrival of the beautiful mandarin 

 ducks they commenced laying, and hatched out several clutches of young ; 

 it was therefore only natural to infer that this lovely denizen of the Celestial 

 Empire would hereafter grace our ponds and lakes ; but such has not been 

 the case, and very sparingly indeed does the bird breed after the second or 

 third year of its introduction. Three species of the equally beautiful 

 Ceriornithes, or so-called horned pheasants, have at one time or other also 

 graced the gardens, and gave early evidence that they would reproduce 

 their kinds; and many of them did so ; but, alas ! the same result followed; 

 for in a very few years all, both old and young, sickened aud died. A like 



