THE TURKEY. 135 



terminate each feather, and which also have a metalhc 

 lustre. 



In the reign of George ii. a large stock of wild tur- 

 keys, consisting of not less than three thousand, was 

 regularly kept in Richmond Park. They were hunted 

 with dogs, and made to take refuge in a tree, where 

 they were frequently shot by the monarch. A breed 

 of this kind is said to be in a park belonging to Lord 

 Ducie, in Gloucestershire ; and there are some in that 

 of Sir W. W. Wynn, at Wynnstay. 



In a domestic state the turkey subsists on insects and 

 grain. The females, whenever they have opportunity, 

 wander to a considerable distance from the poultry-yards, 

 to construct their nests, and lay and hatch their eggs. 

 When young, they require much attention. In Nor- 

 folk and Suffolk they are reared in great numbers. 

 About Christmas the demand for them is great, though 

 few birds are in more request for the table at other 

 times. 



