Pheasant, or Phasianus, L. a genus of birds, comprising several species, of which the following are the principal ; viz.

1. The Gallus. See Cock and Hen.

2. The Colchicus, or Common Pheasant, originally a native of Asia, and thus denominated from river Phasis, in Mingrelia : it is one of the most beautiful birds, on account of the vivid colour, and diversity of its plumage. In Britain, it inhabits woods, brakes, and thickets, in the day-time; and at night, roosts on the tops of the highest trees.

Wild pheasants construct their nests of dry grass and leaves, among bushes ; and the female lays from twelve to twenty eggs in a season : the period of incubation extends to twenty-four days; but the young, being unable to provide themselves with food, would starve, if left solely to the protection of the hen. -For breeding pheasants, five hens may be allowed to a cock ; these, if put together in a farm-yard, will soon acquire habits of familiarity with the common poultry.

Young pheasants are extremely difficult to be reared: their most proper food consists of ant's eggs, mixed with curds, or sweet oats and bailey, which must be given them with great exactness, both as to the quantity and the time of their meals. The place in which they are confined, should be kept thoroughly clean ; their water frequently changed; and the young birds not exposed to the dew of the morning, or allowed to ramble about, after sun-set.

When diseased, a repast of ant's eggs will, in general, speedily promote their recovery; but, if this remedy prove unsuccessful, wood-lice and earwigs, in equal propor-tions, seldom fail of restoring their health.

As an article of food, the flesh of pheasants is esteemed one of the greatest dainties ; abounding with rich wholesome nutriment 5 especially when obtained in a wild state, and properly roasted with fresh butter.