or niRDo. 
133 
PHEASANT. 
The name of this bird implies that hs 
was originally a native of the banks of the 
river Phasis, in Armenia; how, and when 
he emigrated, is unknown. Next to the pea- 
cock, they are the most beautiful birds, ns 
well for the vivid colour of their plumes, as 
for their happy mixtures and variety. The 
Pheasant, though so beautiful to the eye, is 
not less delicate when served up to the table. 
In the woods, the hen Pheasant lays front 
eighteen to twenty eggs in a season ; but in 
a domestic slate, she seldom lays above ten. 
Its fecundity when wild is sufficient to stock 
the forest; its beautiful plumage adorns it; 
and its flesh derives a higher flavour from 
its unlimited freedom. 
