Zoo Notes 
of it, until they are satis- 
fied or there are no more 
locusts available. On 
account of the service they 
thus render, the ‘“ Locust- 
birds,” although fit for 
human food, are not mo- 
lested by sportsmen in 
South Africa. As they 
do no harm whatever, and 
live well in captivity if 
properly fed, they would be 
good subjects for intro- 
duction into such parts of 
the New World as are 
suibjech | tol Voemst lon 
grasshopper plagues; 
they do not occur there 
naturally, although ranging 
widely in the Eastern Hemisphere. 
We 
For sheer brilliance of coloration no living 
bird excels the male of this 
olden species (Chrysolophus pictus), 
Pheasant. 
the silky scarlet of the breast 
forming, with the fiery orange of the ruff 
and pure golden yellow of the crest and 
lower back, a tout ensemble which puts even 
the birds-of-paradise to shame. 
Yet this 
COCK GOLDEN PHEASANT. 
magnificent creature 1s not a denizen of the 
tropics, but inhabits Western and Southern 
China, frequenting wooded mountains. It is, 
however, better known as a domestic than 2 
wild bird, having been established in Europe 
more than a century ago. It is perfectly 
hardy with us, and would probably often 
be allowed to inhabit our coverts were it 
not for the fact that it 1s very pugnacious, 
and, although a smaller bird and less well- 
spurred, more than a 
match for the common 
pheasants preserved there, 
doubtless owing to its 
greater activity and spirit. 
Where no preserving is 
carried on, however, there 
can be no better orna- 
ment to a country seat 
than this species; and it 
is easier to rear than 
the common pheasant, 
while in captivity it 
thrives much better. 
The hen illustrated 
might belong either to 
this species or to the 
Amherst pheasant, for 
though the males are 
very different (the Am- 
herst cock bemg mainly 
white and metallic green) 
