INTRODUCTION 



XXV 



only a few can we with certainty discern a certain linking relationship, which might 

 partially be expressed in supergenera. We more nearly approximate the truth in such 

 a schematic arrangement as this, which at least has the advantage of two planes of 

 space — 



Ithagenes, etc. Tragopan, etc. 



Polyplectron — Chalcurus 



[PERDICINAE] 



Hypothetica 



Generalized ^ ,, 



[Argusianinae] Ancestor [PhasiaNINAE] UaUus 



of 

 Pheasants "~ /"" Pucrasia 



Lophophorus 

 Crossoptilon 



V Gennaeus^^/^"^^^ ^Lobiophasis 



-— -^l X. / /I'lS /».7y •»'/T X 



\Loplvura/ 



A rgusianus — Rkeinardius 



Catreus — Phasianus — Syrmaticus 

 Chrysolophus 



Pavo 



The first two groups of birds which I have included in the present work— the 

 Blood Partridges and Tragopans, judged by the tail moult and other characters as well, 

 are on the quail and partridge side of the line, but I have included them as representing 

 the genera most nearly allied to the pheasants. 



As regards the twelve genera in the subfamily Phasianinae, it is impossible to 

 arrange them relative to one another in any system excepting one involving the three 

 planes of space. All show inter-relations of an exceedingly intricate character. 



I begin this family with the Impeyans because they show something in common 

 with certain genera of the Perdicinae, and because certain fossil bones present characters 

 slightly suggestive of this group. Otherwise they stand alone. This isolation is true 

 of the next genus, the Eared-Pheasants, to an even greater extent, although the shape 

 of the tail rather allies them to the succeeding genera. The next four groups, all with 

 arched, compressed tails, show indisputable relationship ; in shape and carriage of the 

 tail, in the plumage ontogeny, in sexual colours and in eggs and voice. These are the 

 Kaleege and the Silvers, the Crestless and Crested Firebacks, and the White-tailed 

 Wattled Pheasant. The Junglefowl are faintly reminiscent of the above, but, on the 

 whole, isolated. The Koklass stand by themselves as if in mutational segregation, but 

 introduce less abruptly than any of the foregoing groups, three great genera of splendid 

 pheasants — birds with tails flat, straight and usually of great length. These are the 

 Cheer, the true Pheasants and the long-tailed Reeves, Copper, Mikado and Bar-tailed, 

 which I have grouped together. Finally, we have the Golden and Amherst — of 

 mysterious relationship, magnificent twins from the depths of western China. 



In the subfamily Argusianinae, two well-marked subdivisions are recognizable : the 



