The Arrival of “ Kate.”



115



bright red, pea-like caruncles on the cheeks and throat. In both

sexes the top of the head is dotted with small fleshy caruncles,

yellow like suet, and recalling the uropygial gland in a certain species

of Hornbill. The bill is greyish ; the legs and feet are either bright

lake or dull flesh-colour. The occiput is sprinkled with short black

filamentous feathers, and suggests a bald head feebly covered with

hair.


All the specimens seen by the writer were in excellent health*

and were kept out of doors like common poultry, with an unheated

shed to sleep in. This specimen is, however, subject to the attacks

of internal parasites; the old bird, which died in London in 1860,

was found to have a hydatid cyst in the liver. The Ocellated Turkey

breeds readily with the common domestic bird, and many years ago

hybrids were obtained at the Zoo. Altogether the introduction of

this noble species should rank as one of the most attractive chapters

of aviculture; Prof. Elliott has well said: “ It would be difficult to

imagine a more beautiful object than the Ocellated Turkey.”


Bridge House,


Sale, Manchester.



THE ARRIVAL OF “KATE.”


Many things have been written, from time to time, about the

Indian Shamah, including descriptions of his appearance, habits,

accomplishments, virtues, vices, house-building, and family rearing.


I am not sure, however, that much attention has been devoted

to one interesting stage of his existence, immediately preceding the

house-building.


At present I have an engaged couple sojourning under my

roof, whose antics are a source of continual interest and amusement.


“Bob” has enjoyed a bachelor existence for a number of years

and might have continued in single blessedness were it not for an

intimation, which appeared in the matrimonial columns of his weekly

paper, that a deserving spinster was on the look-out for a husband.


There was a bit of a rush for “ Kate,” notwithstanding the

absence of any reference to her age, appearance, or disposition.



