GAME BIRDS AND WILD FOWL. 43 



bred birds are to be found in the British Islands. In very few 

 localities in this country does the Pheasant exist in anything 

 approaching a thoroughly wild state. Wherever it is fostered 

 and protected by man, suitable cover being provided, its natural 

 enemies kept in check, and a certain amount of food being 

 supplied during severe weather, there the Pheasant flourishes and 

 multiplies apace. The habits, therefore, of such a semi-domesti- 

 cated bird need not be dwelt upon at any great length. As pre- 

 viously remarked, cover \s, one of the Pheasant's chief requirements. 

 The Pheasant is not only a ground bird but a shy one, and is 

 seldom seen far from cover of some kind. It thrives best in 

 places where the woods contain plenty of undergrowth, and 

 where there is plenty of feeding accommodation in the shape of 

 fields near by. It is ever shy and wary, and although often seen 

 in the open hurries off to the nearest cover the moment danger 

 threatens, or crouches close to the ground amongst the friendly 

 herbage until the cause of its alarm has passed. It is capable of 

 running with marvellous speed amongst the herbage and under- 

 growth, and when flushed rises with a startling whirr, and with 

 rapidly beating wings mounts above the underwood and threads 

 its way among the trees to safer quarters. As a rule the flight of 

 the Pheasant is not very prolonged, but sometimes the bird will 

 go for several miles before alighting. Like other Game Birds, it 

 is fond of dusting its plumage, and not only drinks often but is 

 fond of bathing, so that water is one of the essentials of a good 

 pheasantry. In spite of the fact that this bird spends most of its 

 time on the ground it prefers to roost in trees, except occasionally 

 in summer when it sleeps on the ground ; evergreens being 

 favourite situations, especially in winter. It is most active early 

 in the morning and towards sunset, when it leaves the covers 

 and wanders out into the open in quest of food. This is com- 

 posed of a great variety of substances. Grain of all kinds per- 

 haps forms its staple support, but to this must be added many 

 kinds of seeds and berries, acorns, beech-mast, and tender shoots 

 of various kinds. It also feeds largely on worms and insects, 

 especially ants and their larvae, and also consumes great numbers 

 of grubs and wireworms. In most preserves a great deal of 

 maize and other food is scattered in the woods, either on the 



