THE TURKEYS. TET 
Habits.—The only notes on the habits of this fine spccies are 
the following, furnished by Mr. F. Gaumer:—‘‘The Spanish name 
for this bird is Pavo del Monte. It is occasionally seen within 
five leagues of Merida, but cannot be said to be common west 
of Espita. East of Espita it is often seen in the corn-fields in 
small flocks of from six to ten. Ihave discovered a locality 
ten leagues to the north and east of Valladolid, where it may be 
saidto be common. This is the region depopulated since the 
emigration of the Indians nearly half a century ago; no one 
lives there now, and the AZeagris is the proud ruler of the 
forest. It is one of the wildest and shyest of birds, extremely 
cautious in its movements, and ever on the alert for a hidden 
enemy ; it flies with the greatest rapidity at the sight of man, 
regardless of distance. When met with in open land it takes 
flight, rising with a heavy flutter peculiar to the family, and 
after mounting a few yards sails away with set wings to such a 
distance that the hunter never cares to follow. During the 
breeding-season, whichis in May and June, the male makes a 
peculiar drumming noise, very deep and sonorous ; after this 
he utters his peculiar song, which resembles the rapid pecking 
of a distant Woodpecker or the song of the great Bull Toad. 
On discovering a dreaded object, he utters a peculiar cluck 
and glides away with a proud movement, which seems to defy 
the world; and if the object moves, he darts away with head- 
long speed. ‘The natives believe that this bird sees the image of 
its enemies in its plumage even before they are visible to the 
eye of the bird. However this may be, it is a bird of extra- 
ordinary caution and vision. Its flesh is held in the highest 
esteem by the natives, who hunt it unceasirgly on this 
account. In Merida a specimen sells at from $1 to $2 
dressed; and from $8 to $ro when alive. It is not easily 
domesticated, and rarely lives more than a few months.” 
Eggs.—Perfectly similar to those of the Common Turkey, 
but rather smaller. Measurements, 2°4 by 1°8 inches, 
