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J. M. Grant-Ives — O.P.S.



about two weeks old the curve becomes evident, and the young bird

begins to feed as does its parent.


When a month old, a second downy plumage is acquired, and at

the age of two months, this is replaced by a dress of brownish feathers.

In October or November this is probably followed by the pink plumage

of maturity, since no brown birds are seen in the spring.



ORNAMENTAL PHEASANT SOCIETY


By Miss J. M. Grant-Ives


Readers of the Avicultural Magazine will know that Monsieur

Delacour is back in Europe. I think one of his first actions on his

arrival in London was to write to me asking that a Committee Meeting

should be summoned as he was anxious to meet its members, several

of whom he did not know. He has, moreover, some important matters

to lay before us. This meeting will have taken place at York on

13th March. We are so pleased to know that M. Delacour intends to

take such an active interest in our Society and we feel proud to think

this interest will be of a practical nature.


One outstanding feature of the Pheasant fancy in Great Britain

has become very emphasized in recent months, and this is due to the

Palace Show.


Many Phasianists of financial standing have recently purchased

many of the rare and even delicate species of Pheasants. This has

been a most pleasing feature of our progress. The O.P.S. is most anxious

so see an increase in Great Britain of many of the rarer species, for

we know that if these are not bred in captivity there is a great danger

of them becoming extinct, this fact M. Delacour has more than once

emphasized in the Avicultural Magazine.


In other countries, especially in parts of the Continent and America,

Pheasant lovers have for many years striven successfully to breed

them, and it must be admitted that up to very recent times Britishers

have lagged behind. I should like to mention a few fanciers on the

Continent who have done much for this grand cause.



