THE PHEASANT. 299 



frequent the densest cover, is shy and timid, and hides 

 his rich and varied charms in solitude. 



So carefully is the Pheasant preserved for the sport 

 it yields, and so tame and semi-domesticated has it 

 become in some places through the protection afforded 

 it, that we can scarcely deem it a wild bird in this 

 country, or view its habits as strictly normal. True, he 

 has that in his nature which defies our efforts to com- 

 pletely domesticate him, an inherent timidity, which 

 sends him into cover upon the slightest alarm, in spite 

 of the protection and safety with which he is surrounded. 

 There are, however, many places where the Pheasant 

 roams wild and almost uncared for, and there I intend 

 you to stray and study his habits — places where, left to 

 himself, he doubtless displays a near approach to those 

 habits and instincts which his kindred do in their Eastern 

 solitudes. 



The Pheasant spends by far the greater part of his 

 time on the ground, searching for food, much after the 

 manner of domestic poultry. When all is quiet in early 

 morning, or when the sun is approaching the western 

 horizon, the Pheasant quits his cover and repairs to the 

 neighbouring fields in search of food ; although where 

 the herbage is tall and dense he will remain amongst it 

 throughout the day, only quitting it at nightfall for his 

 roosting place. His food is varied, composed of grain, 

 insects, worms, tender shoots of many kinds, and various 

 small seedsand berries, notably those of the elder.; and 

 as you stroll through the woods in autumn you will 

 often see him in the open glades, feeding upon the acorns 

 and beech mast. Should it be a male bird, he invari- 

 ably runs off at your approach, for the Pheasant is a 

 bird that only takes wing when absolutely compelled ; 

 but if a female, she will probably crouch close to the 



