A. Chaplin—Merops apiaster



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chicks are hardy and easier to rear than any Pheasants—much easier

than poultry chicks. Yes, this seems a reasonable theory. Many

varieties of flowers have been created by gardeners, by selection and

growing on prepared soils. Call the soil environment, and remember

that Nature selects by eliminating the unfit. When these “ varieties ”

are well established, they may by a different environment develop

characteristics which make them a new species ; or hybridism may

evolve a new species, but if they are allowed to run wild and inter-

pollenate, they may alter considerably and eventually revert to type.

This may very well be what has happened with regard to the Black

Pheasant.


Valued as Food


We do not know the complete history of the Pheasant, but we do

know that it has been valued as an article of food since the eleventh

century, and esteemed as a meat for kings and noblemen. Nowadays,

the mongrel Pheasant is still the epicure’s choice as a delicacy amongst

game, and is still a costly delicacy, though not considered as a dish

exclusively for kings and noblemen !


However, the Pheasant has maintained its popularity from a

gastronomic point of view, and has maintained its popularity as the

most strikingly handsome member of our birds.


A picture of a Pheasant searching for acorns beneath an autumn-

painted oak . . . would not that conjure up visions of a typical English

countryside scene and make the most hardened exile feel his loss ?


(To be continued )



MEROPS APIASTER


By A. Chaplin


A few aviculturists will, perhaps, remember seeing a collection

of Eastern birds brought back last spring by Mr. Webb. Curiously

enough, however, perhaps the most beautiful bird in the collection

was a European species. This was an example of the European Bee-

eater (.Merops apiaster) caught on migration in mid-Mediterranean.



