Hurdles and Faggots. 83 



liurdles, each six feet long, giving a square of twelve feet 

 in each side, and having an interior space of only 144 superficial 

 feet ; but these pens are too small for the health or comfort 

 of the birds, for they are far more apt to fall into the evil 

 habits of egg eating and feather plucking than when confined 

 in larger runs. 



With regard to the food of the old birds in the pens, the 

 more varied it is the better. Good sound grain, such as maize, 

 barley, buckwheat, malt, tail wheat, oats, etc., may be freely 

 used. But maize should be used sparingly, as it is too fatten- 

 ing for laj-ing pheasants or hens. Mr. Baily recommends 

 strongly an occasional feed of boiled potatoes, of which the 

 birds are exceedingly fond. He writes : — " For bringing 

 j)heasants home, or for keeping them there, we know of 

 nothing equal to boiled potatoes. Let them be boiled 

 with the skins whole, and in that state taken to the 

 place where they are to be used. Before they are put 

 down, cut out of each skin a piece the size of a 

 shilling, showing the meal within. Place them at 

 moderate distances from each other, and the birds will follow 

 them anywhere." 



Rice and damaged currants and raisins are very well for 

 an occasional change, but should be si^aringly used. A few 

 crushed acorns may be given from time to time, but an excessive 

 consumption is apt to prove injurious. Mr. J. Fairfax Muckley 

 of Audnam, writes on their employment as follows : — " Three 

 seasons ago I laid in a stock of acorns, and instructed the 

 feeder to give the pheasants a few every day. Thej 

 preferred them to other food. In one week I had ten 

 dead birds. They were fat and healthy in every respect, 

 with the exception of inflammation of the intestines. My 

 conclusion is, that if allowed to have free access to acorns 

 they eat more than they should, and consequently many 

 die." On the other hand, it should be remembered that 

 pheasants at liberty usually have access to an unlimited 

 supply of scorns. 



G ii 



