ORDER GALLIN.E. 'r23S 



a fact, as in the case of the mules which we have just noticed, 

 it onl)/ proves, says this naturalist, the very great disparity 

 which exists between the two species employed in such pro- 

 duction. 



Besides, it is only in a state of domestication that these 

 hybrid breeds are produced. The ring-pheasant, wild in its 

 native country, never unites with the common pheasant. 

 This, we must allow, is a strong proof of distinction of 

 species. 



Moreover, there is a constant and marked difference between 

 the plumage of these two birds. Their manners are dis- 

 similar, and their eggs are different in colour. 



The ring-pheasants are common in the woods of many 

 parts of China. They are also frequent in India, where they 

 are smaller than the common pheasant. They are also found 

 about the Caspian Sea, in the southern part of the Desert, 

 between the Don and the Volga, in Great Tartary, and the 

 south of the Mongolian Desert. They are likewise pretty 

 numerous in St. Helena. 



The Silver Pheasant (Ph. Nycthemerus,) both in natural 

 disposition and external forms exhibits much analogy with 

 the birds of the genus gallus. It is easily tamed, and might 

 be entirely domesticated. Its robust constitution approxi- 

 mates it more to the cock than the other pheasants. Its 

 education requires only very moderate attention. The form 

 of its caudal plumes, and the mode of their insertion, also 

 present great analogies with the domestic cock. 



The trachea of this pheasant is straight through its entire 

 length, and grows narrow only towards the lower larynx, as 

 in the cocks. The three demi-rings of the upper part of each 

 bronchia are separated by two wide membranous intervals. 

 The upper larynx and hyoid cartilages are also similar to the 

 same parts in the cocks. 



The male silver pheasant is of an amorous constitution. 



