THE PEA FOWL. 247 



lest we should cause her to desert her charge. Six 

 eggs were in this way deposited and secured, and which, 

 with the one destroyed at first, made seven, four of 

 which were hatched. During the long period of hatch- 

 ing, in the most inclement season, exposed to very 

 severe weather, we resolved to run the risk of endea- 

 vouring to protect the devoted bird. The first day we 

 put up a branch or two over the spot she had chosen ; 

 then a few more ; and during a pitiless night, a com 

 plete awning was erected, consisting of a piece of mat- 

 ting, which screened her from the incessant rain and 

 wind, like an umbrella. During all these operations 

 the bird continued to sit upon her nest, apparently 

 conscious of the care and sympathy exerted in her 

 behalf. It would thus appear, that with proper pre- 

 caution, this bird may be managed with nearly as much 

 freedom as the Common Domestic Fowl, and instead 

 of being a rara avis in our yards, it might form a 

 profitable and highly ornamental addition. The flesh 

 of the young bird for the table is, in our opinion, 

 exquisite ; much superior to that of the Turkey, resem- 

 bling more that of the Common Pheasant. Although 

 this bird be more independent of regular supplies of 

 food being held up to it than other Domestic Poultry, 

 yet, when young, the Chicks should be repeatedly 

 attended to, and the same food which we have recom- 

 mended before, namely, oat meal, a very little mois- 

 tened, will be found very suitable for them. 



