HYBRIDISATION 



generally distinct, and it may be regarded as a fair indica- 

 tion of the value of the generic distinction that their union 

 should produce sterile offspring. 



It may be remarked that by far the larger number of 

 instances of hybridisation that can and will be brought 

 forward are among the Gallince and Anatidcc, and the 

 reason is obvious, as these two orders of birds are those 

 most frequently kept in a semi-domesticated state, and 

 consequently the different species are most frequently 

 crossed by accident, or by the intention of those who keep 

 them under these conditions. 



Many well-known instances of different species of water- 

 fowl have produced fertile hybrids ; among them we may 

 mention the following on the list of Anatidce : — 



Chinese Goose (-4)1867- Y 

 cygnoides) J 



Pintail Duck (Dafila \ 

 acuta) J 



Tufted Duck {FuU-\ 

 gula cristata) j 



crossed ■with 



( Common Goose (Anser 



^^ domestica) 



f Common Duck (Anas 



\ boschas) 



( Niroca Pochard {Fiili- 



V gxda niroca) 



Among the Gallince the following have produced fertile 

 hybrids : — 



Sonnerat's Jungle ) 

 Fowl {(rollus Son- y 

 neratii) ) 



Ooellated Turkey \ 

 (Meleagris ocellata) ) 



Common Pheasant ^ 

 (PImsianus colchic- >- 

 cus) ) 



crossed with 



( Bankiva Jungle Fowl 

 (^ (Gallus bankiva) 



Common Turkey (Me- 

 leagris tnexicana) 



f Eing-necked Pheasant 

 \ {Phasianus torquata) 



( Japanese Pheasant 



i^ (jP. versicolor) 



( Eeeves' Pheasant (P. 



\_ Reevesii) 



f Gold Pheasant (Thaii- 



\^ malea picta) 



ai"! 



