20o 
SCEMMERIN G’S PHEASANT. 
Phasiamis Scemmeringii, — Temminck. 
PLATE XVII. 
Faisan Scemmering, Phasianus Scemmeringii, Temminc 
Planches Colorices, pis, 487 and 488. 
Tins very beautiful species was sent to the Dutch 
collections by Dr Seiboklt from Japan, and is dedi- 
cated to the venerable Soemmering by M. Temminck, 
by whose description and figure it is only known. 
That naturalist describes it as intermediate in size 
between the common and golden pheasants, or about 
3 feet 6 inches long. The plumage of the male is 
generally of a rich reddish-purple, with a shining or 
bronzy lustre, the feathers bordered with a band 
of still more brilliant appearance. Upon the under 
parts and wings, the colour becomes of a redder 
tint, with purple reflections, and mixed with large 
black spots. The tail is long and very ample, clouded 
with darker shades, and crossed with thirteen large 
black bands. 
The female is much smaller, being about nineteen 
inches long. The tail only about six inches in length, 
perfectly wedge-shaped, is of a lively red ; the feathers 
