CHAPTEE XX. 

 PHEA.SANTS ADAPTED TO THE AYIARY (CONTINUED). 



THE IMPEYAN PHEASANT {LOPHOPEOBUS 

 IMPEYANUS). 



I HE Monaulj or Impeyan Pheasantj is one of the 

 most gorgeous birds ; the wonderful metallic 

 brilliance of its plumage, " gleaming in purple and 

 gold," never fails to attract the attention of the 

 spectator. In the Zoological Gardens it has bred 

 frequently, but a native of the Himalas, seldom 

 descending far below the snow line, and suffering from the 

 heat of summer, is not likely to succeed on the London clay. 

 During the life of my friend, Mr. J. J. Stone, I saw at large 

 on the Welsh Hills Impeyan Pheasants as tame as the other 

 poultry, and I have little doubt but that in suitable localities, 

 as in the North of Scotland, this magnificent bird might be 

 introduced to advantage either as a domestic or wild bird. 



Should it be thought desirable to try the experiment in 

 any appropriate locality, this can only be done by a con- 

 sideration of their habits in a wild state, and I have there- 

 fore great pleasure in quoting the following from the late 

 Col. Tickell, who was well acquainted with the birds in their 

 natural haunts : — 



" The Monaul ranges high in the mountains where it is 

 found, keeping near the line of snow; and although met 

 with in the ridges next the plains, becomes much more 



