178 GAME BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA, 
that which one of these birds would be apt to show at 
the present time under similar circumstances. 
Rifles and shotguns were quickly made ready, and 
several of the birds remained with us; the rest of the 
flock seeking a more secure retreat, where they could 
indulge their curiosity with less risk to themselves. The 
appearance of the Florida Turkey is very like the North- 
ern bird, and only an expert would be apt to notice the 
difference. This chiefly consists in the darker colors 
generally of the present race, and in having the pri- 
maries black with white bars, these last not reaching the » 
shaft, while in those of the Northern bird they go to the 
shaft of the feather. It is a slight variation, but sufficient 
to constitute what is considered a geographical race. 
Turkeys in Florida seem to wander a good deal, per- 
haps really not more than do those inhabiting other 
States, but they are abundant at times in one locality, and 
then will be quite scarce again in the same place. Prob- 
ably the quantity or absence of food is the main cause 
of this unsettled phase of their existence, for it is weil 
known that all Turkeys will travel many miles to pro- 
cure any food they particularly fancy when they know 
where it is to be obtained. The Florida Turkey goes in 
small flocks, and keeps to the thick woods and dense 
swamps. The males can be called like those of the 
Northern bird, by the imitation of the hen’s note in the 
spring, and they approach the hunter’s ambush with all 
the suspicion and cunning of an old campaigner, urged 
on by the desire burning in his breast. But with all his 
eagerness to meet his supposed lady-love, he is watchful 
of every sight or sound that comes to eye or ear, and is 
off in a moment if his fears are aroused, disappearing 
quietly and swiftly as if he had vanished into air. 
Should two males encounter each other at this season, 
