CHINESE SILVER KALEEGE . 69 
examined. Its total length was no less than 1365 mm; bill from nostril, 23; wing, 
290; tail, 860; tarsus, ror; middle toe and claw, 75; spurs, 20 mm. The tail, 860 mm. 
(over 34 inches), was a marvel of grace, curving upward in a low gradual arc. 
VARIATION 
We can hardly deal with variation without encroaching upon the domains of 
hybridism. However, in birds from the heart of the range, or from Fokien, we find 
that in only about fifty per cent. are the central tail-feathers wholly immaculate. 
Even the extreme specimen from north-west Fokien whose remarkable size I have 
noticed has very pronounced black spotting on the basal half of the outer web. I 
have already written of the variation in size, and in the strength of the black dorsal 
lining; there are hardly two individuals exactly alike. All, however, lie within such 
limits that there is no hesitation in distinguishing a pure-blooded bird from the mere 
hybrid forms. I have obtained birds of the typical zycthemerus plumage well within 
the ranges of the so-called rzphonz, rujipes and sharper. A number of skins have 
come to my attention, taken well within the range of the Silver Pheasant, in which 
the legs and feet, instead of being scarlet, were white or greenish, the birds otherwise 
being typically zycthemerus. A captive bird of this description has lived for many 
years in one of the London parks. 
ADULT FEMALE.—The upper plumage a rich golden brown, peppered with darker. 
The head is brown, the crest feathers becoming blackish toward the tip. Tail 
variable, the outer rectrices blackish, with irregular broken lines of white or buffy- 
white, the four central rectrices ashy-brown with irregular dark brown bars and lines. 
Below ashy-brown, paler on the chin and throat, and on the lower breast, which 
shows more or less mottling and barring with brownish. These markings increase 
in strength and size posteriorly. 
Bill dull greenish, paler at the tip; facial skin scarlet or dull crimson; irides red- 
brown ; legs and feet clear coral red. Bill from nostril, 20 mm.; wing, 225; tail, 285; 
tarsus, 88; middle toe and claw, 70 mm. 
Cuick In Down.—Head pale orange buff or golden brown, darkening on crown, 
becoming narrower and darker brown on nape, and changing to a very wide area of 
blackish-brown on the back. This blackish or chocolate brown is split by two pale, 
buffy white lines down each side. Shoulders more reddish brown; a short, narrow 
black line extends back from the eye; beneath pale yellow buff, changing to white 
posteriorly ; facial area well indicated by very short down. Bill greenish yellow; 
iris pale hazel; legs and feet red. The newly-hatched Silver is about a third larger 
than a golden chick. 
JuveNILE PLumace of SEVEN Werks Brrp.—Top of head from crown to nape 
brown, so broadly tipped with black that it appears of this colour. Facial area 
almost bare, sparsely covered with pale buff down; ear-coverts brown; upper parts 
sandy brown, finely vermiculated with black; wing-coverts and secondaries the same, 
but with narrow buff tips to the greater coverts. Scapulars and inner coverts with 
