ONG OD Cl 1 ON.

XV1

on our moors, and the Ortyxr virginianus, or American Partridge, in our fields and coverts; but what good
would be effected thereby ? the Prairie-Hen would but displace a better bird, the common Grouse ; and the
little Partridge would be no improvement upon our familiar species. There is no fear, however, that this
will ever be accomplished; and the sooner such fallacies are ended the better. It would be far wiser were
the efforts of our well-meaning patrons of acclimatization directed rather to that interchange of blood among
the same species which is essential to the maintenance of a healthy stock. I am sure it is all-important with
regard to our birds, particularly those that are stationary. It is well known that species which have lived
long on an island without a sufficient interchange will diminish both in size and brilliancy of tints: and
hence, perhaps, may be explained the smaller size and more subdued colouring of many of our birds,
compared with continental examples. The Blackcock of Norway and Switzerland will be found to have the
tone of its plumage more intensified than those inhabiting Scotland, the black being unmistakably of a darker
hue, and the gloss of the feathers more resplendent. The Norwegian Ptarmigan, too, is of a purer white
compared with our own bird, while its full summer dress is much darker. So, again, the Long-tailed Tit
(Mecistura caudata) of Norway and Denmark differs in having a white head, while that of Great Britain has
the crown and face dark or obscurely striped ; and the Cole Tit (Parws ater) of Belgium in having the back
grey, instead of the slight olive tint seen in British examples. To make such differences, however, grounds
for specific distinction, as has in some cases been done, is in my opinion playing with science. That the
drier and more rarified air of the Continent, coupled with the more direct influence of the solar rays,
contributes to cause these slight differences, seems to me highly probable; and I am strengthened in this
view by noticing that, among such groups as the Zyochilide or Humming-birds of America, some of the

richest and finest colours are seen in species that frequent lofty situations.

Most of the Pheasants now spread over every county of the British islands are mongrels, brought about
by the interbreeding of three kinds; and their progeny are but too often rickety and sickly creatures. Those
of our sportsmen who have flushed a true Phasianus torquatus in England, or killed the same bird in China,

S native country, must have been astonished at the quickness of its arrow-like flight, and the wildness of its

actions.

Th S 1 _ i y C re j + = s 2.
e scientific naturalist, of course, repudiates all varieties such as the Pheasants alluded to, no two of

which are alike in ¢ r or markines : : . . :
é ke in colour or markings, and whose promiscuous interbreeding can lead to no important

result. We see this intercross} arrl $ .
e this intercrossing carried to a still greater extent in our domesticated Pigeons and Fowls ;

but beyond the < isitic i :
1€ acquisition of cert variations j ao = a : iohly
1 ain variations in plumage, or of qualities rendering them more highly

esteemed for the table i i 1 1
the table, nothing of interest is attained.

Whilst on the subjec aR a :
subject of interbreeding, I should wish to draw the attention of sportsmen to the advan-