A PLAGUE OF PHEASANTS.

Colonist, Volume LV, Issue 13645, 10 February 1913, Page 3

A PLAGUE OF PHEASANTS.

Pheasants prove a veritable pest during the maize-planting season in N«rth Auckland, more particularly in the Mangonwi country. The first' shoots had just appeared above the ground when the birds descended and promptly uprooted the young plants, devouring the softened seed. Considerable areas were replanted, with the same result. Poisoned wheat and whiskynsoaked maize were used as exterminators. Tlie birds that partoofc of the latter! became fairly drunk and quite solemnly pranced around, although retaining sufficient "balance?' to dodge^wotild-be'! captors. At present tke-same peste are making themselves obnoxious- in the potato crops. They scratch out a few tubers, leave the mark© of their beaks, and pas® on to row. One farmer soaked a quantity of maize in rum for two or three days, and then laid it amongst the drills. He declared that he did not need to go to the city to see a pantomime, for when the pheasants felt th« effects of the rum the fun was fast and furious.