THE AMERICAN, OR COMMON TURKEY. 



217 



himself sat upon them. The eggs were put back, but he soon after- 

 waixls took them again. This in<kiced the owner, by way of experiment, 

 to liavc a nest made, and as many eggs put into it as it was thought 

 the cock coukl conveniently cover. The bird seemed highly pleased with 

 this mark of confidence ; he sat with great patience on the eggs, and was* 

 so attentive to the care of hatching'them, as scarcely to afford himself 

 time to take the food necessary for his support. At the usual period, 

 twenty-eight young-ones were produced : and the cock, which was 

 in some measure the parent of this numerous offspring, appeared 



THE OCELLATED ICRKEl. 



perplexed on seeing so many little creatures picking around him, and 

 requiring his care. He was not, however, trusted with the rearing of 

 tke brood, lest he should neglect them; and they were reared by 

 other means. 



The disposition of the female Turkey is in general much more 

 mild and gentle than that of the male. When leading out her yoinig 

 family to collect their food, though so large and apparently so power- 

 ful a bird, she gives them very little protection against the attacks of 



