THE AMERICAN TURKEY 



{me LEA GRJS AMERICANA) 



rpHE Turkey of the United States is not the 

 -^ species that was imported into Europe early 

 in the sixteenth century, apparently by the 

 Spaniards, and from which the domestic breed, 

 now such a familiar feature of the English farm- 

 yard, has descended. The latter species, possibly 

 the sole progenitor of the tame race, has its home 

 upon the tablelands of Mexico, and, so far as we 

 can ascertain, is still a common bird and likely to 

 remain so. The American Turkey, the subject of 

 the present notice, is unfortunately bordering on 

 extinction; and the same may be said of the 

 sub-specific form found in Florida (Meleagris 

 arnericana osceola). In the early days of 

 American colonisation, the Wild Turkey was 

 common enough and widely distributed throughout 

 all areas suitable to its requirements ; but as its 



ancient haunts became more and more populated 



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