NATURAL HISTORY. 



31U 



Sub-family d. Mdcagrince. 

 MELEAGRIS. (Gr. Me/.eaypic, a Guinea-fowl.) 



Gallopavo (Lat. /Ac Turkey). 



Ornithology, gives an account of the ingenious way in which 

 the turkeys escape the insiduous attacks of their enemies. 



" These birds are guardians of each other, and the first who 

 sees a hawk or eagle gives a note of alarm, on which all within 

 hearing lie close to the ground. As they usually roost in 

 flocks, perched on the naked branches of trees, they are easily 

 discovered by the large owls, and when attacked by these 

 prowling birds, often escape by a somewhat remarkable 

 manoeuvre. The owl sails round the spot to select his prey, 

 but notwithstanding the almost inaudible action of his 

 pinions, the quick ear of one of the slumberers perceives the 

 danger, which is immediately announced to the whole party 

 by a chuck : thus alarmed, they rise on their legs, and watch 

 the motions of the owl, who, darting like an arrow, would 

 inevitably secure the individual at which he aimed, did not 



