3 1 



Pheasants. 



the egg-supply for large sporting estates comprising 

 several or many beats is involved, the matter assumes an 

 importance which is scarcely second to that of the hand- 

 rearing of the birds itself. 



We may dismiss with a few words the case of a preserve 

 requiring annually, or maybe only occasionally, a 

 hundred or so of eggs. If the means described in the 

 previous chapters be insufficient of themselves, or as 

 extended to meet increased requirements, then resort may 

 be made to some reputable game-farm for the eggs 

 necessary to make up an adequate supply. Coming, 

 however, to the case of a preserve requiring, say, a 

 thousand eggs annually, extending over a period of several 

 years, something more than a makeshift is desirable 

 and necessary in order that a proper supply may be 

 maintained. A proper system must be adopted based 

 upon the requirements and conditions of each indi- 

 vidual preserve, and calculated as to expense upon 

 the basis that the eggs shall be produced at an average 

 cost of 2 to 305. per 100 over a series of years. Ordinary 

 pheasants penned for laying purposes may be calculated 

 to produce a minimum of 100 eggs per pen of six birds 

 one cock and five hens. They should certainly produce no 

 less, and under favourable circumstances ought to produce 

 from 25 per cent, to 50 per cent. more. I place the 

 figures at their lowest estimate, as in this and all other 

 matters relating to game-rearing maximum anticipations 

 invariably prove fallacious. 



According to the number of eggs required, so should 

 the number of pens be determined. Thus, six pens of six 

 birds each might, under exceptionally favourable circum- 

 stances, produce 1000 eggs. It would be far wiser, 

 however, to provide eight pens with birds and two in 

 reserve. However many eggs be required, it is impossible, 



