XXX. Account of an extraordinary pheasant

Abstract

Every deviation from that original form and structure which gives the distinguishing character to the productions of nature may not improperly be called monstrous. According to this acceptation of the term, the variety of monsters will be found to be infinite. As far as my knowledge has extended, there is not a single species of animal, nay there is not a single part of an animal body, which is not subject to extraordinary formation. Nor does this appear to be a matter of mere chance; for it may be observed, that each animal has a disposition to deviate from nature in a manner peculiar to itself.