Captain C. Scott-HopJcins—My Pheasant Collection 51


Mrs. Wharton-Tigar brought over quite a large number from Brazil

last year.


When newly imported the Reddish Finch is inclined to be delicate,

adult cocks to a greater extent than immature birds. Once acclimatized

it is quite hardy. In a cage it becomes very tame, and as it is a fine

songster, a single cock makes a charming pet bird. It is good tempered

though inclined to bully closely related birds. A fine male in my posses¬

sion which in a flight cage severely persecuted a Black-banded Finch,

has in a smaller cage been quite put in his place by an immature

Fire-finch.



MY PHEASANT COLLECTION


By Capt. C. Scott-Hopkins


It is some time since I wrote an article on Fancy Pheasants in this

Magazine. It is so seldom that one reads anything on these delightful

birds in the Avicultural Magazine, that I feel sure there must be

many Pheasant enthusiasts who long to see an article on this most

interesting subject. It is not often that I put pen to paper for the

public to read, as I do not like publicity, but on this occasion I really

feel that the delightful and fascinating hobby of keeping Fancy

Pheasants should be brought more fully to the attention of the bird-

loving public.


My friend, Mr. P. Lambert, is writing weekly articles on Ornamental

Pheasants in Cage Birds, thereby doing his best to interest the public

in this hobby. He has been the means of stimulating the public

interest in Pheasants and he tells me that the demand for these birds

has increased tremendously ; and what is more, the intelligent interest

that people are taking is most encouraging. Mr. Lambert’s expenses

in stamps alone, in answering the many questions he is asked, is

astounding.


I feel that a description of my collection and my experiences

published in the Avicultural Magazine will catch the eye of still

more enthusiasts who are wavering and wondering whether it is worth

while to sink a little money in this venture, or just be satisfied with



