SOAATOHERS. 



277 



Greeted Pheasant. 



they would persuade strangers ttey enjoy, which have existence 

 only in the imagination. 



The Common Pheasant was origin- 

 ally brought from Georgia, and has com- 

 plstely naturalized itself in England. It 

 is a hardy bird, and bears the cold months 

 very well. Although it can be tamed, and 

 will come to be fed with the poultry, yet an 

 innate timidity prevents it from being tho- 

 roug'hly domesticated. Young pheasants 

 that have been hatched under a hen, scam- 

 per oflf in terror if an unexpected intruder 

 maizes his appearance among them, although 

 the remainder of the poultry remain per- 

 fectly unconcerned. 



This bird loves to perch at night on trees, especially on the 

 spreading branches of the larch. Poachers are so well aware of 

 this habit, that they 

 always visit the 

 larches first, while 

 on their marauding 

 excursions. A few 

 spruce-firs surround- 

 ed by dense and tall 

 holly hedges form 

 an excellent place 



of refuge for the birds, who can Did the poacher defiance from 

 ihiu stronghold. 



Silver Pheasant. 



Golden Pheasant 



24 



