on Past Importations of Indian Pheasants.



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In 1871, out of 120, I received only 16.


In 1872, out of 20 pairs of Impeyans, only four birds arrived.


In 1873, out of 80 Impeyans and Tragopans, twelve only

arrived alive.


In 1874, 40 Impeyans were despatched. Thirty-one arrived

in good condition, which I sold to you.


In 1875, out of 80 Impeyans and Tragopans sent off, 70

arrived.


In 1876, I had 40 Impeyans and 25 Tragopans put on board

ship, of which 31 of the former and 21 of the latter arrived.


In 1877, the 80 Impeyans and the 70 Tragopans sent off, all

arrived alive.


In 1878, out of 70 Impeyans and 50 Tragopans, I lost only

six of the latter.


In February, 1879, 60 Impeyans and 70 Tragopans were

despatched, all of which arrived safely.


In March of the same year, a fresh consignment of 40

Impeyans and 20 Tragopans were dispatched, none of which perished

on the journey.


The year 1880, was full of incidents. After almost insur¬

mountable difficulties I became possessed of the first Hastings’

Tragopans (Geriornis hastinqii).


All shooting having' been forbidden during the space of five

years in the country under British rule where the Impeyans, Hast¬

ings’ Tragopans, Wallich’s and Pucrasian Pheasants, are met with ;

I had to push my researches in the independent territories, and

consequently at great distances from my ordinary centre of action.


The captured birds reached Dharmsala (Punjab) after having

being carried for many days on men’s backs through country

covered with snow. Fourteen pairs, and twelve males of Hastings’

Tragopans, reached our aviaries. After three days journey by

carriage they arrived at the nearest railway station, and after a

week’s journey reached Calcutta.


All these birds came to Europe safely and in good condition.

At the same time I imported 32 pairs of Pucrasian Pheasants and

two Wallich Pheasants.


M. Yekemans, the Director of the Antwerp Zoological Gar-



