FARM ANIMALS 345 



TURKEYS 



It is generally admitted that the domestic turkey 

 came from the wild species of turkey which inhabits 

 North America, Mexico and Central America. 

 The turkey was first taken to Spain between 1518 

 and 1520 and into England in 1524. From these 

 early importations two breeds have originated in 

 England, namely the Cambridge which closely 

 resembles our Bronze, and the Norfolk which 

 appears to be almost identical with our Black 

 Turkey. The standard breeds of turkeys in the 

 United States are Bronze, Narragansett, Buff, 

 Slate, White and Black. The Bronze most closely 

 approaches the wild turkey in form, size and 

 coloring, while the Narragansett is very similar 

 with more steel gray bands on the wings. The 

 buff, slate, white and black breeds are instantly 

 recognized by the color which gives them their 

 names. The colors are in most instances quite 

 uniform. 



In the breeding of turkeys much carelessness 

 has prevailed in allowing too close crosses so that 

 in many instances the vitality and vigour of the 

 stock has been greatly injured. The vigour of the 

 Bronze has been kept from deteriorating and 

 improved by occasional crosses with wild turkeys. 

 For this purpose a considerable number of wild 

 gobblers nave been extensively used. In general 

 strict attention should be given in selecting breeding 

 stock to make sure that tne males and females are 

 as little related as possible since otherwise an 

 unthrifty condition of the turkey chicks will obtain. 



Feeding Turkey Chicks. After the first few 

 days turkey chicks may be fed on stale bread soaked 

 in milk with the milk mostly squeezed out and with 



