232 CLASS AVES. 



tion ; but even then, its proximate cause appears to be some 

 irregularity in the moulting. In all other cases it appears to 

 be the result of accident, always excepting those northern 

 birds that turn white in winter. 



The White Pheasant is a variety, in which this colour is 

 wholly prevalent, but by no means pure. Like that of the 

 white peacock, the plumage bears the impressions of the 

 colours proper to the species, but very slightly sketched. 

 Moreover, few individuals are found to have the entire body 

 covered with white feathers. Some plumes, richly decorated, 

 are to be found here and there. Dr. Latham says that there 

 are a few minute black spots about the n^ck, and some rufous 

 ones on the scapulars. 



The Hybridal Pheasant is a breed resulting from the mix- 

 ture of the common cock-pheasant and our domestic hen. 

 The offspring of this forced alliance, which very seldom suc- 

 ceeds, is incapable of reproduction ; neither are such indi- 

 viduals numerous, for out of a hundred eggs it is rare to find 

 more than two or three young ones excluded. 



Frisch, however, tells us that such hybrids are common in 

 Germany, where they are esteemed excellent eating. 



Another hybrid, still more difficult to obtain, is the pro- 

 duce of the Painted Pheasant of China, and the common 

 species. The plumage is magnificently decorated with the 

 most brilliant colours. M. Temminck had one of these birds 

 in his possession, and made many trials to see whether it 

 would breed with the common hen-pheasant, with the painted 

 pheasant, and with the ring-pheasant, all to no purpose. 



M. Temminck considers the Ring Pheasant of China not 

 as a variety of the common pheasant, but as a distinct spe- 

 cies. According to him, the intercourse between these two 

 birds, and consequent production of fruitful mongrels, is no 

 proof of identity of species. This often takes place with the 

 offspring of species nearly allied ; and when the reverse is 



