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 

 difiference. This chiefly consists in the darker colors 

 generally of the present race, and in having the pri- 

 maries black with w^hite 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 well 

 known that all Turkeys wall 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 hunters 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 

 ofif 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, 



