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the neck at all. Others again will sometimes be seen with

exquisite shades of green and blue in their plumage, giving

plain evidence of the introduction of the Japanese Pheasant

( Phasiamis versicoloj" ) , another and exquisitely beautiful sub-

species. This Pheasant is now often to be obtained from the

dealers at a moderate price, and is certainly one of the most

lovely of the tribe. It is a somewhat smaller bird than either

P. colchicus or P. torq^iattis, and the young are said to be quite

ias eas5'^ to rear as either. The colours of the cock are chiefly

metallic green and blue of different shades on the head and

underparts, chestnut on the back, and greenish grey on the rump

and wing coverts. The hen is much like those of the common

species, but her markings are more clearly defined.


In his very useful "Hand-book to the Game Birds" Mr.

Ogilvie-Grant writes, — "The Japanese Pheasant inter-breeds

readily with the Chinese Ring-necked Pheasant, the male hybrid

being a remarkably fine bird, surpassing in size and beauty either

of its parents. This species also crosses freely with P. colchicus,

the males being truly splendid birds, not unlike P. elega?is'^' in

general colouring, but very much larger."


Versicolors are said to lay very freely in suitable aviaries,

and are, like all the true Pheasants, polygamous, four or five hens

being usually kept with the cock.


Another Pheasant hailing from Japan is Soemmerring's

/P. soemmerringii) . The male may be described as of a rich

fiery copper colour. The hen is coloured somewhat like him,

but her tints are less brilliant. This is perhaps the most

laeautiful of the true Pheasants, but it is very rare in this

country, and, unless a very large enclosure can be placed at

its disposal, the cock will be almost certain to attempt the

murder of his wives. This most unfortunate habit of some

captive Pheasants is, however, by no means confined to

Soemmerrings : there is probably hardly a species certain

individuals of which will not, at times, be troublesome in

this way. The best and safest plan is, as before mentioned, to

provide plenty of thick cover for the hens, and, if the cock

should be inclined to be nasty towards them, to cut the quill

feathers of one of his wings fairly close, in order to give the

hens a better chance of getting out of his way.


The Prince of Wales' Pheasant {P. principalis) is another

very beautiful bird, but at present quite unprocurable in

England. It is found wild in North - Western Afghanistan,


* stone's Pheasant.



