262 Farm Poultry 



tion. He not only destroys the home of the 

 game by removing the woods but causes frequent 

 forest fires, which are destructive at the brood- 

 ing season. Probably the number of Wild turkeys 

 is diminishing, yet, owing to their shy nature, 

 they are not likely to become entirely extinct for 

 many years. 



The wild turkeys that are now found in the 

 forests of North America are those which have 

 been strong enough to withstand the unfavorable 

 conditions to which they have been subjected and 

 which have escaped their natural enemies. In 

 other words, they furnish a most excellent illus- 

 tration of the "survival of the fittest." Persons 

 who have had experience in breeding wild tur- 

 keys in confinement are convinced that they will 

 do well and retain good breeding qualities on less 

 food than will be required to keep domesticated 

 turkeys in the same condition. 



Wild turkeys appear to be somewhat taller in 

 proportion to their weight than domesticated ones. 

 "They thrive and keep in good condition on less 

 food than the domestic turkey. Their slender, 

 alert appearance is striking to the most careless 

 observer. Their breadth of shoulder, deep chest 

 and firm step are noticeable when they are com- 

 pared with the domestic turkey. The head is 

 small in proportion to the body, and has a clean, 

 game -like appearance. The eyes are large, bright 



