23 Pheasants. 



briars. To accommodate a dozen or fifteen hens a space 

 about 3oyds. by 15yds. must be enclosed with wire netting, 

 attached to posts some 8ft. out of the ground; the 

 netting to be lin. mesh to 3ft. high, and 2in. mesh for 

 the remainder. At the centre of one of the sides a door 

 must be provided, and the whole be covered with bird- 

 proof tanned twine netting. 



The soil within the pen must be dry, well drained, and 

 produce a fair growth of healthy verdure ; whilst if it be 

 possible to choose a site for it which permits of a small 

 ditch of running water passing, or being deflected through 

 the pen, an advantage is gained. If birds from pens are 

 turned in, then the months of February or March may be 

 selected for the purpose ; if wild birds (young) be chosen, 

 then September is the proper time. Obviously the latter 

 choice involves greater trouble, and it is not certain that 

 there is always something gained by it. The circum- 

 stances of the case must govern this point. The correct 

 proportion is one cock to five or six hens, but in instances 

 where the size of the pen is materially increased, a 

 proportion of one male to four females will be found 

 necessary. It is advisable to cut their wings before fum- 

 ing them into the pen, and it will be found necessary to 

 repeat the process at intervals of a fortnight or so until 

 the birds become reconciled to their confinement and learn 

 that they cannot escape by upward flight. The operation 

 of cutting the wings is a simple one, and is best undertaken 

 after they have been turned into the pen. 



The birds are best and most easily caught at dusk or 

 dark, and a couple of persons with a lantern can soon 

 catch and cut the wings of the pheasants, without causing 

 them much anxiety. Of course, later on, when some 

 of the birds are sitting, there is no advantage 

 gained by disturbing them. The hens placed in this 



