THE TURKEY. 141 



form groups which become objects of consequence." 

 Many of the larger gallinaceous birds might be em- 

 ployed both as beautiful and useful adornments to 

 the scenery of a modern park ; and, if water ranked 

 among its advantages, another tribe might be intro- 

 duced with equal effect. 



The turkey is generally esteemed a stupid bird, 

 and, in its tame state, perhaps with truth. Its vigi- 

 lance and cunning in its native forests, however, of- 

 ten baffle the experience of well trained hunters ; 

 and the attention and cunning of the female are noted 

 by Mr Audubon. The attention of the male to the 

 young is also, in some cases, extraordinary. We have 

 known him regularly attend and protect the female 

 and brood from dogs, or other intruders ; and, in two 

 instances, to take the sole charge upon himself, re- 

 fusing to admit the female to any share of his cares. 

 The same bird frequently drove the hen from her 

 nest, and sat upon the eggs until hatched*. 



Mr Audubon relates a curious anecdote of the 

 turkey, which also illustrates the disposition of the 

 dog. 



"While at Henderson, on the Ohio, I had, among 

 many other wild birds, a fine male turkey, which had 

 been reared from its earliest youth under my care, 

 it having been caught by me when probably not 

 more than two or three days old. It became so 



* I once knew it take place upon two addled eggs, which 

 the hen had long persevered upon, and upon which b 

 kept his place for a fortnight. ED. 



