96 
PHEASANTS. 
In the Autumn of 1826, a wandering Pheasant 
made its appearance in a small valley of the Gram- 
pians, the first of the species ever noticed so far 
north in that part of the country. For some time, 
it was only occasionally observed, and its presence 
actually doubted; Winter wants, however, 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 approached to maturity, no small admi- 
ration 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 largely 
of the character of the parent stranger, and, as they 
were found to grow to a good size, and possess 
hardy constitutions, a useful and agreeable variety 
for the poultry-yards was secured, in a thus simple 
and unlooked-for 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 little calculated for long 
flights, which may, in a great measure, 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 been known, in one season, to lay 
the extraordinary number of one hundred and eighty- 
three eggs, and may, with proper attention, he easily 
