PHEASANT. 
PHASIANUS COLCHICUS, Linn. 
Phasianus colchicus, Linn. S. N. i. p. 271; Naum. vi. 
p- 483; Macg. i. p. 114; Hewittson, i. p. 276; Yarr. 
ed. 4, ili. p. 91; Dresser, vil. p. 85. 
Fasan, French; Edelfasan, German. 
A naturalized species, having been introduced most 
likely by the Romans, and certainly known in England 
before the Norman Conquest. In its pure form, as 
represented on the Plate, unmixed with any other race, 
it remained until the close of the last century, since 
which time it has become so completely blended with 
the Chinese Pheasant (P. forguatus) then introduced, 
that, except in a few places, pure-bred birds are now 
hardly ever seen. 
P. colchicus has also crossed freely with the Japanese 
P. versicolor, and even with the very distinct P. reeves? 
of China, and with other recently introduced species. 
The true home of the Pheasant appears to have been 
the eastern shore of the Black Sea, whence, since 
classical times, it has spread westwards. [O. 8.] 
