286 
PHEASANTS. 
brought it more frequently into notice ; and in due season 
more unequivocal proofs became apparent : for when the 
chicken broods of common poultry came forth, and ap- 
proached to maturity, no small admiration was excited by 
certain stately, long-tailed, game-looking birds standing } 
forth amongst them, and continuing to grow in size and 
beauty, until all doubts of direct relationship with the 
Pheasant effectually vanished. These hybrids partook 1 
largely of the character of the parent stranger ;• and as they 
were found to grow to a good size, and possess hardy con- | 
stitutions, a useful and agreeable variety for the poultry- I 
yards was secured, in a thus simple and unlooked-for j 
manner. 
Pheasants are not what is termed indigenous in this 
country, — that is, originally produced or bred here; but 
were imported from the eastern countries, to which they are 
chiefly confined. Their short wings and heavy bodies are 1 
little calculated for long flights, which may, in a great mea- 
sure, account for their remaining so long in one particular : 
part of the world, and explain the cause why none have yet 
been found in America. But as they are very plentiful 
layers, — a pair belonging to a gentleman near Dover having j 
been known, in one season, to lay the extraordinary number 
of one hundred and eighty-three eggs, — and may, with proper 
attention, be easily reared, we see no reason why they may 
not be successfully introduced, and abundantly supply any 
country in the world. 
The following directions for rearing them under hens have 
been, we know, adopted with success. A sufficient number of 
eggs being provided, put them under a hen that has kept her 
nest for three or four days ; and, if two or three hens happen 
to sit on the same day, an opportunity will be afforded of 
shifting the good eggs. At the end of ten or twelve days, 
examine, and throw away those that are bad, and set the 
same hen or hens again, if sitting hens should be numerous. 
The hens having sat their full time, such of the young 
Pheasants as are already hatched must be put into a basket, 
with a piece of flannel, till the hen has done hatching. Then 
