302 The Turkey Family 



which would suggest that turkeys were then 

 rather common. In 1573 they were spoken of as 

 part of the usual Christmas fare at a farmer's 

 table. In 1535 turkeys were known in France, 

 and mentioned by writers as having been brought 

 there a few years previously from the newly dis- 

 covered Indian islands. In 1566 a present of 

 twelve turkeys was made by the municipality of 

 Amiens to their king. They are said to have 

 been known in Germany about 1530. In Venice, 

 a law made in 1557 specified the tables at which 

 they were permitted to be served. 



