RUFFED KEATHCOCK. 
them killed. I have shot many of them in 
this position; but never saw them thump, they 
mostly seeing me first, and so left ofF. They 
commonly exercise in thumping, spring and 
fall, at about nine or ten in the morning, and 
four or five in the afternoon. Their food is, 
'chiefly, berries and seeds of the country. Their 
flesh is white, arid choice food. I believe they 
breed but once a year, in the spring ; and hatch . 
twelve or fourteen at a brood, which keep in a 
cDmpany till towards the follow^ing spring. 
Many have attempted to raise the young oires, 
and to tame them ; but to no purpose. When 
Tiatched under a hen, they escape into the 
woods soon after they are hatched; where 
tlocy either find means to subsist, or perish.'* 
To this account, Edwards subjoins the fol- 
lowing; which he obtained from Mr. Brooke, 
of Maryland — " The Pheasant," says tliis 
gentleman, ** breeds in all parts of Maryland, 
some countries on the eastern shore excepted. 
They .lay their eggs in nests they make in the 
leaves, either by the sides of fallen trees, or the 
Toots of standing ones. They lay from twelve 
Ito sixteen eggs. The time of incubation is in 
the 
