55 



Pheasants. 



such circumstances, or when it is impossible to cope with 

 the attacks of vermin, runs must certainly be provided for 

 the protection of the chicks. It must always be borne in 

 mind that the runs to prove effective must be vermin-proof, 

 they must fasten securely to the coops, and, if need be, 

 must be fixed to the ground so that poaching cats or dogs 

 cannot push them on one side. 



It will be observed in connection with this subject of 

 coops and runs that beyond treating of the general and 

 particular principles which must govern their construction 

 and form I have given a few illustrations of different types, 

 but have not recommended any particular coop or run as 

 being of general utility. The reason why I have adopted 

 this plan is that there are so many reputable firms catering 

 for this class of appliance that a mere perusal of their 

 catalogues will enable the preserver to select the type 

 most suited to his requirement and his means. If an 

 attempt were here made to illustrate all types, the result 

 would tend only to confuse instead of to simplify the 

 matter. 



We must now transfer our attention to the subject of the 

 rearing-field or fields. Upon the exercise of proper dis- 

 crimination in the choice and management of the rearing- 

 field or fields depend the healthiness and stamina of the 

 birds produced. It will depend also upon the nature and 

 the constitution of the preserve how the rearing-fields must 

 be organised. In any case it is far better to err upon the 

 side of too much ground being apportioned to the purpose 

 than too little. Indeed, it is to the failure to recognise 

 this fact that want of success in rearing healthy birds, or 

 a proper proportion of poults from the chicks hatched, is 

 directly due. In the case of a single self-contained 

 preserve it will be possible to do very well with but one 

 rearing-field ; but where the preserve is composed of a 



