45 THE BOOK OF BIRDS 



twenty-three inches are — tail ! Here is a summary of its 

 colours : " The head is ornamented with a beautiful silky 

 crest, of a fine amber-yellow. The feathers of the back of 

 the head and neck are of a rich orange-red, edged with a 

 line of black, and capable of being raised at will. Lower 

 down, so as to lie on the top of the back, the feathers are 

 glossy greenish-black. The back is rich yellow ; the wings 

 deep blue at their base, the breast and under parts intense 

 scarlet." Could a more dazzling description be true of 

 any other bird ? 



The ruff and the crest are in great demand by fly- 

 fishers, for of the brilliant feathers some of their most 

 tempting "flies" are manufactured. Any fish in any 

 river might be excused for leaping at so irresistible a bait. 



Fifty years ago, specimens of the Golden Pheasant 

 brought to this country were looked upon as very delicate 

 visitors indeed, and treated much as we treat hothouse 

 plants. But a more sensible way now prevails, and in 

 walking through many estates, especially in the south of 

 England, you may see, as I have sometimes seen, this 

 glorious bird strut out from the coverts and show himself 

 for a minute as he crosses the road or drive. 



His true home is said to be the mountainous districts 

 of Western China and Eastern Tibet. 



Akin to him is the SILVER PHEASANT, so named 

 because of the pure silver-white of his back and tail — 

 white beautifully flecked with black markings. He also 

 comes from China, as does Lady Amherst's Pheasant, 

 whose colouring is far less gay. REEVES' PHEASANT, 

 a native of north and west China, is the giant member 

 of the whole Pheasant family. The remarkable thing 

 about him is his tail, which sometimes grows to a 

 length of five feet, or even more. 



