OP THE BEITISH ISLANDS. 49 



versicolor (Conf. Table, p. 62), the hybrid, which is perfectly fertile, being not 

 only a singularly handsome bird but considerably larger. It is said that these 

 crosses with P. versicolor are specially adapted for stocking covers, as they not 

 only show a disinclination to wander from home — a very excellent trait — but 

 are less addicted to running; whilst their power of wing is stronger, which is a 

 most important consideration from the sportsman's point of view. 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-domesticated bird need 

 not be dwelt upon at any great length. As previously remarked, cover is 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 

 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 undergrowth, and when flushed rises with a 

 startHng 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 consists of a 

 great variety of substances. Grain of all kinds perhaps 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 consumes great numbers of grubs and wire- 

 worms. In most preserves a great deal of maize and other food is scattered in 

 the woods, either on the bare ground under certain trees, or upon the drives, or 

 placed upon platforms of branches raised several feet from the earth in the woods. 

 Patches of buckwheat and beans are also sown close to the covers in many places 

 for the sole benefit of the Pheasants, the thick growth affording concealment as 

 well as food. The note of the male Pheasant is a short, harsh crow, sounding 

 something like cor-r-k. The bird becomes most noisy at nightfall just before 

 retiring to roost, and each successive crow is followed by a flapping of the wings. 

 4 



