CHAPTER VII 



Reeves', or the Bar-Tailed Pheasant {Phastanus Reevesii) 



This is a magnificent species of Pheasant, and one that has 

 been introduced into many coverts for improving the beauty 

 of the plumage in the production of hybrids. Although 

 known for centuries, the Reeves' Pheasant was not introduced 

 into Europe until 1831, a male bird having been imported 

 by one Mr Reeves, but what may be termed its first successful 

 introduction into the British Isles was due to the efforts 

 of Messrs Stone & Medhurst. It is a native of the mountains 

 of Northern and Western China, and there is no doubt 

 that the country to which it is indigenous renders it 

 particularly suitable for flourishing upon British soil, but 

 especially so for mountainous districts, such as Scotland 

 and Wales, where it has plenty of range to indulge in 

 its natural roving habits. During flight the Reeves' 

 Pheasant is remarkably vigorous, and owing to the enor- 

 mous length of its tail, it is a difficult bird to shoot until 

 the sportsman becomes an adept in the art of shooting 

 these Pheasants, as allowance has to be made for the 

 great length of the tail. 



For pace and strength of flight the Reeves' Pheasant has 

 no equal amongst the genus to which it belongs. 



The total length of the tail is about 5 feet, and owing 

 to the transverse markings or bars, the term " Barred " 

 Pheasant is sometimes applied to this species. The total 

 length of the bird is about 6^ feet, and it looks all this when 



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