58 
HIGH PHEASANTS : 
Series VI. at 40 yds. (actual) were very similar. In Series V. 
the birds were hit in vital places, or stunned ; otherwise 
they would not have been killed, and I should not have 
had them for examination. In Series VI . the birds were 
seldom struck in vital places, and they would not have 
been sent to me, as possibly not one of them would have 
been killed. This shows what a number of shots may 
sometimes be fired at a pheasant 40 yds. high without 
bringing it down. 
Fig. 2. — Series VI 
Height, 40 5''ds. — No. i. Superficial injury. No. 2. One pellet on the head, which might 
have killed or stunned the bird if it had sufficient force. Other wounds superficial. 
No. 3. One pellet on side of neck, which might possibly have caused serious injury, 
though not immediate collapse. Other wounds superficial. No. 4. No vital parts 
struck. No. 5. No vital parts struck. No. 6. No vital parts struck, unless the 
pellet to one side of the breast-bone had slanted towards the heart, and had force 
enough to penetrate the pectoral muscle protecting it. 
Summary. — One vital wound (No. 2), one doubtfully 
vital wound (No. 3). The remaining thirty pellets would not 
have stopped the flight of the birds. 
