THE GOLDEN PHEASANT. 



Phasiakvs pictvs. Linn. 



The genus Phasianus, restricted, in imitation of the 

 older naturalists, to the true Pheasants, and excluding 

 the domestic fowls which were united to it by Linnaeus, 

 is known by the following distinctive characters. The 

 bill is of moderate size, arched and convex on its 

 upper surface, and slightly depressed towards the point, 

 having the nostrils placed laterally near its base, and 

 partly closed by a membranous process. The cheeks 

 are thinly clothed with minute velvety feathers ; and 

 the rest of the head as well as the entire throat is 

 covered with plumage, the former being entirely desti- 

 tute of the comb which is so conspicuous on that of 

 the common fowl. The wings are short; and the 

 three outer quill-feathers less elongated than the fourth 

 and fifth. The tail is long, narrow, and arching, com- 



