GALLINACEOUS BIRDS. 



241 



similarly coloured, their markings becoming gradually broader towards the tips. The long thick crest 

 is glossy black, the bare cheek scarlet, the eye light brown, the beak blueish white, and the foot 

 coral-red. This species is thirty-two inches long. 



From the date of its first introduction into Europe the Silver Pheasant has been everywhere 

 regarded as more fitted to be an ornament of our aviaries than a denizen of our woods, and, when so 

 treated,- has rewarded us for our pains. It may, indeed, be said to be completely naturalised in a 



THE SILVER PHEASANT 

 [Nyctlienienis a7'gc!ilat!is, or Euplocamiis nydhanerus). 



domesticated state, and it could doubtiess be established in 

 our woods, were such a measure desirable ; but to effect 

 this with success no other species of Pheasants must be 

 kept within its precincts, the pugnacious nature of tiiis tribe 

 of birds not admitting of the near proximity of two species, 

 as the certain result would be a constant succession of 



battles, almost invariably ending, as is known to be the case when the Domestic Cock and Pheasant 



meet, in the death of the weaker bird. 



Our country is not, perhaps, after all, well adapted either for this bird or its near allies, the 

 Euplocami, which have been only recently introduced. The Silver Pheasant has been found to bear 

 confinement well, and with but ordinary care its propagation is usually attended with success. After 

 the autumn moult, its pencilled markings are exceedingly elegant and graceful ; as spring advances 

 its rich comb and wattle become enlarged, and of a most vivid scarlet, oftering a striking contrast to 

 its delicate pea-green bill. The colouring of the female is altogether sombre, and devoid of that 

 sparkling brilliancy which so eminently adorns her mate, making him conspicuous even among tlie 

 gayest of his congeners. 

 VOL. III. — no 



