We are fortunate in being able to present our readers with a genuine
specimen of the Ring-Necked species of this remarkable family of birds,
as the Ring-Neck has been crossed with the Mongolian to such an extent,
especially in many parts of the United States, that they are practically
the same bird now. They are gradually taking the place of Prairie
Chickens, which are becoming extinct. The hen will hatch but once each
year, and then in the late spring. She will hatch a covey of from
eighteen to twenty-two young birds from each setting. The bird likes a
more open country than the quail, and nests only in the open fields,
although it will spend much time roaming through timberland. Their
disposition is much like that of the quail, and at the first sign of
danger they will rush into hiding. They are handy and swift flyers and
runners. In the western states they will take the place of the Prairie
Chicken, and in Ohio will succeed the Quail and common Pheasant.
While they are hardy birds, it is said that the raising of
Mongolian-English Ring-Necked Pheasants is no easy task. The hens do not
make regular nests, but lay their eggs on the ground of the coops, where
they are picked up and placed in a patent box, which turns the eggs over
daily. After the breeding season the male birds are turned into large
parks until February.
The experiment which is now being made in Ohio--if it can be properly
so termed, thousands of birds having been liberated and begun to
increase--has excited wide-spread interest. A few years ago the Ohio
Fish and Game Commission, after hearing of the great success of Judge
Denny, of Portland, Oregon, in rearing these birds in that state,
decided it would be time and money well spent if they should devote
their attention and an "appropriation" to breeding and rearing these
attractive game birds. And the citizens of that state are taking proper
measures to see that they are protected. Recently more than two thousand
Pheasants were shipped to various counties of the state, where the
natural conditions are favorable, and where the commission has the
assurance that the public will organize for the purpose of protecting
the Pheasants. A law has been enacted forbidding the killing of the
birds until November 15, 1900. Two hundred pairs liberated last year
increased to over two thousand. When not molested the increase is rapid.
If the same degree of success is met with between now and 1900, with the
strict enforcement of the game laws, Ohio will be well stocked with
Pheasants in a few years. They will prove a great benefit to the
farmers, and will more than recompense them for the little grain they
may take from the fields in destroying bugs and insects that are now
agents of destruction to the growing crops.
The first birds were secured by Mr. E. H. Shorb, of Van Wert, Ohio, from
Mr. Verner De Guise, of Rahway, N. J. A pair of Mongolian Pheasants, and
a pair of English Ring-Necks were secured from the Wyandache Club,
Smithtown, L. I. These birds were crossed, thus producing the English
Ring-Neck Mongolian Pheasants, which are larger and better birds, and by
introducing the old English Ring-Neck blood, a bird was produced that
does not wander, as the thoroughbred Mongolian Pheasant does.
Such of our readers as appreciate the beauty and quality of this superb
specimen will no doubt wish to have it framed for the embellishment of
the dining room.
[Illustration: From col. Chi. Acad. Sciences.
RING-NECKED PHEASANT.
Copyrighted by
Nature Study Pub. Co., 1897, Chicago.]