FIFTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK — PART VI. 431 



THE BRONZE TURKEY. 



Origin and size. — This variety holds the post of honor. As already 

 stated, it probably originated from a cross between the wild and the tanse 

 turkey. Its beautiful rich plumage and its size have come from its wild pro- 

 genitor. To maintain these desirable qualities, crosses are continually 

 made. In this way the mammoth size has been gained. Their standard 

 weight ranges from sixteen to thirty-six pounds, according to age and sex. 

 Probably more of this variety are grown each year than of all others. They 

 have been pushed on all sides almost to the exclusion of the others until 

 within a year or two. If possible the Bronze turkey has been developed too 

 much in the direction of size. While size, within reasonable limits, is to be 

 desired and encouraged, when it is confined to length of thigh and shank, 

 it is a gain of weight with but little additional value. 



Coloring.— The coloring of this variety is a ground of black blazoned or 

 shaded with bronze. This shading is rich and glowing, and, when the sun's 

 rays are reflected from these colors, they shine like polished steel. The fe- 

 male is not as rich in color as the male, but both have the same color and 

 shadings. Much of this richness of color is lost through inbreeding, as it is 

 improved by each cross with the wild specimens. Of all our domestic fowls 

 none suffer from inbreeding so much as turkeys. This should be guarded 

 against at all times, if it is hoped to gain the best results. 



Selection of dreeding stock.— NainrsiWy the Bronze turkey should be the 

 largest in size, the most vigorous in constitution, and the most profitable to 

 grow. This would be the status of the variety at present were it not that 

 too little attention has been given to the selection of females for breeding 

 stock. It should be fully understood that size and constitutional vigor come 

 largely through the female, and, to have this influence to the fullest extent, 

 well proportioned, vigorous females in their second or third year should be 

 selected as breeders. Do not select the very large specimens for this pur- 

 pose; those of a medium size are usually the best. Discard the undersized 

 females at all times, as they are of little value as producers. Length of 

 shank and thigh, if out of proportion, should not be mistaken for size; full- 

 rounded body and breast indicate value most clearly; size and strength of 

 bone indicate constitutional vigor, which should be maintained through the 

 selection of the very best at all times for producing stock. When special 

 care is given to the selection of the breeding stock, and the grower bears in 

 mind those profitable market characteristics— compactness of form, length 

 of breast and body, and constitutional vigor — the most satisfactory results 

 may come from the growing of this variety. But no matter how much care 

 may be given these conditions, only partial success will come if inbreed- 

 ing is permitted. The use of oversized males with small females is of less 

 advantage than the use of smaller males with well-matured, medium sized 

 females.'^ 



♦Often the overlarge male will so lacerate the skin and flesh of the female as to necessi- 

 tate the stitching up of wounds to save the hen turkey. This danger may be largely re- 

 moved by trimming or filing off the sharp toe nails of the male just prior to their mating 

 in the spring, 



