PHOTOGRAVURE 44 



HOME OF THE PERSIAN PHEASANT IN SOUTHERN TRANSCASPIA 



Phasianus colchicus persictis Severtz 



These birds live in vast plains either covered with reeds, or else bare, with the appearance of steppes, 

 where also are found troops of wild boars, hyaenas and great bustards. They feed on the juniper berries, 

 and many fly at night for safety to the islands in the sluggish rivers to avoid their enemies, the cheetahs 

 and leopards. 



HOME OF THE PRINCE OF WALES'S PHEASANT, SOUTH TURKESTAN 



Phasianus colchicus principalis Sclater 



The Murghab River is muddy and turgid, of the colour of poor coffee, flowing in a channel of 

 brown clay, between high banks which are ever crumbling. In the spring the river becomes a terrible 

 torrent, tearing through the desert with irresistible force, forcing all living creatures far from their normal 

 haunts along its banks. Here this pheasant makes its home. 



