FORMATION OF PENS AND AVIARIES, 53 
order should be given to the ordinary wattled-hurdle makers to make a given 
quantity of six feet by six feet open hurdles, with well-pointed ends, twenty- 
four of these hurdles, when placed in position, will make a convenient-sized run, 
thirty-six feet every way; but preparation must be made for a doorway, and for 
covering over the whole of the hurdles inside the run with one and a half inch wire 
netting round the sides, and string netting for the top. For the size run specified 
there must be four posts, made with four-way T piece tops, to carry the netting ; 
the posts to be placed equi-distant from each other, to properly divide off the interior 
centre space; from each upright should branch out movable perches about eighteen 
inches long, at different heights from the ground. The next and most important 
point is the arrangement of nesting-places. At the most retired portion of the run 
faggots should be placed, in bundles of three or more, arranged conical fashion, or 
piled as soldiers do their arms, leaving a good space open at the bottom; but before 
setting the faggots in their places, the earth must be dug out six inches deep, and 
filled in with dry loose sand or fine dry mould, and then place the faggots over the 
sand. There should be as many of these nesting-places as the space will afford, 
taking care that sufficient space is left between each to admit of easy access by the 
birds and their keeper.” Some writers recommend pens made of eight hurdles, 
each six feet long, giving a square of twelve feet in each side, and having 
an interior space of only 144 superficial feet; but I regard these pens as too 
small for the health or comfort of the birds, that are far more apt to fall into 
the evil habits of egg eating and feather plucking than when confined in 
larger runs, 
With regard to the food of the old birds in the pens, the more varied it is 
the better. Good sound grain such as maize, barley, buckwheat, malt, tail wheat, 
and oats, &c., may all be used. Mr. Baily recommends strongly an occasional feed of 
boiled potatoes, of which the birds are exceedingly fond. He writes :—* For bringing 
pheasants home, or for keeping them there, we know of nothing equal to boiled 
potatoes, Let them be boiled with the skins whole, and in that state taken 
to the place where they are to be used. Before they are put down, cut out 
of each skin a piece the size of a shilling, showing the meal within. Place 
them at moderate distances from each other, and the pheasants will follow them 
anywhere.” 
Rice and damaged currants and raisins are very well for an occasional change, 
’ but should be sparingly used. A few acorns may be given from time to time, 
but their too exclusive use is apt to prove injurious. Mr. J. Fairfax Muckley, 
of Audnam, writes on their employment as follows :—‘“ Three seasons ago I 
laid in a stock of acorns, and instructed the feeder to give the pheasants a 
few every day. They preferred them to other food. In one week I had ten dead 
birds. They were fat and healthy in every respect, with the exception of inflam- 
