70 PROPAGATION OF WILD BIRDS 



through the forest. Here and there, off from these paths, are 

 cleared open fields, from about five to ten acres each in area. 

 There are thirty of these in all, and each is sown to grain, 

 which is left standing for the turkeys and other game. 

 Wheat is the principal grain sowed, but there are also corn, 

 buckwheat, and millet. Flocks of wild turkeys frequent 

 these fields regularly. They feed there in the morning and 

 in the middle or latter part of the afternoon. They are 

 very shy, but are surprised in these fields through careful 

 approach. If they are out in the middle when intruders are 

 detected, they fly out, making an imposing sight. If near 

 the edge they run off into the forest. 



An Experience. This last I saw a fine flock of at least 

 fifteen do one September afternoon. Though we crept 

 up carefully and stood back in the dark woods, the turkeys 

 detected our presence. In single file, a couple of gunshots 

 or more away, they ran along the edge of the field, up a high 

 slope, and disappeared into the forest — noble, great birds 

 they were. At this season they were not yet resorting much 

 to the grain, and would not till the frost killed off the insect 

 life. 



Shooting Restricted. Only on certain days, m accordance 

 with a careful schedule, can shots be fired in a given field. 

 Each member or guest is allowed to shoot but two turkeys in 

 a season. About one hundred are said to be taken each 

 year. Four Presidents of the United States have been en- 

 tertained at this club: Cleveland, Harrison, Garfield, and 

 Arthur. 



Cleaning Out Vermin. Periodically there is a kiUing off 

 of vermin by a system of poisoning. This is done every year 

 during January and February. The method used is by 

 distributing poisoned dead birds along the trails over the 

 preserve, from 500 to 1,000 at a time. Pigeons are bought 



