143


now fairly well known and easily obtainable in the Knglish

market, having been bred by numerous amateurs. It is slightly

larger than its congener and very different in colouring, the crest

being deep red, the mantle and breast metallic green, and the

underparts chiefly pure white. The tippet on the nape is com-

posed of feathers of pure white margined with black. This very

lovely Pheasant is indigenous to the mountainous districts of

Western China. In suitable aviaries Amhersts thrive well and

the young are said to present no especial difficulty in the matter

of rearing, but they do not attain their full plumage until nearly

two years of age, differing in this respect from the true Pheasants.

The two species of this genus interbreed very freely in captivity,,

and the resulting hybrids, which are said to be perfectly fertile,

are remarkably handsome birds, combining the rich colourings

of both species.


The Silver and Swinhoe's Pheasants belong to the rather

large family of Kalij Pheasants, — the genus Ge?misiis. G.

nycthe7nerus, the common Silver Pheasant, has been known for

a very long time as an aviary bird. Its colours may be roughly

described as white, finely pencilled with black, above, including

the tail, and black on the underparts. This is a very hardy

species, and breeds very freely in captivity. It is found wild

in the south of China, but is said to be becoming very rare

there. G. stvinhoii is a handsome species, the male having a

white crest and mantle, the centre pair of tail feathers being

of the same colour. The rest of the body is bluish black

relieved by crimson on the scapulars. It is not a common

bird in the English market, and is found in a wild state on

the forest-clad mountains of Formosa.


The foregoing notes have already occupied too much

space, and I must stop. I would, however, just mention the

Moonal Pheasant of the Himalayas (Lophophorus refulgens),

whose gorgeous plumage no artist can truthfully depict ; the

Peacock Pheasant (JPolyplectron chinquis), the Firebacks, and the

Tragopans. All are well worthy the attention of our members,,

and let me express the hope that before long we may hear of the

successful rearing, by members of the Avicultural Society, of

some of the rare and lovely species of the Phasia7iidce.



