14 THE HIVE OF THE BEE-HUNTER. 



however, cannot be called its most legitimate form ; as 

 will be noticed in the progress of our chronicle. 



The taste that makes the deer and fox hunt a favor- 

 ite amusement, is not the foundation on which to build 

 a true turkey hunter. The baying of hounds, the 

 clamor of the horn, the excitement of the chase, the 

 pell-mell and noisy demonstration, are all destructive to 

 the successful pursuit of the turkey, — consequently, the 

 turkey hunter is distinct and peculiar; he sympathises 

 with the excentric habits of the bird, with its love of 

 silence, with its obscurity, and it is no objection to him, 

 if the morning is whiled away in the deep solitude, in 

 comparative inaction, for all this favors contemplation 

 worthy of an intellectual mind. 



It is unnecessary to describe the bird, though we 

 never see it fairly represented except in the forest. 

 The high-mettled racer that appears upon the course 

 is no more superior to the well fed cart-horse, than is 

 the wild turkey to the tame ; in fact, nothing living 

 shows more points of health and purity of blood than 

 this noble bird. Its game head, and clear hazel eye, 

 the clean, firm step, the great breadth of shoulder, and 

 deep chest, strike the most superficial observer. Then 

 there is an absolute commanding beauty about them, 

 when they are alarmed or curious; then they elevate 

 themselves to their full height, bringing their head per- 

 pendicular with their feet, and gaze about, every feather 

 in its place, the foot upraised ready at an instant to 



