134 HUNTING SPORTS OF THE WEST. 



choose the best, which is easily done ; a short thick neck 

 is the infallible sign. The leaner the turkey, the longer 

 and thinner his neck. The bird seems larger, but take 

 care to shoot the thick-necks, and I'll wager that they 

 ain't so bad to eat." Long experience has since taught 

 me that ho was right, but it required some time before I 

 was cool enough to look at the turkeys on their perch, 

 and make a choice amongst them. We opened them on 

 the spot, for it is extraordinary how soon they spoil, even 

 in cold weather, if this is not done. We threw two of 

 them over the horse, while I shouldered the- third, and, 

 in a very short time we came to a spring of good water, 

 and made a camp for the night. 



One of the results of our camping out, with supper 

 and breakfast, was the disappearance of one of the tur- 

 keys, and half the bear's ribs. With strength well 

 recruited, we set off for the dwelling of my old friend, 

 and reached it about two in the afternoon. It was dark 

 by the time when the skins were stretched and the meat 

 salted, when we sat round the fire and talked over old 

 times. 



We were tired and went betimes to bed, intending to 

 sally forth early next morning; but the rain poured 

 down the whole night, and we had forgotten to take our 

 blankets in from the fence, so that, it may be supposed, 

 they were rather damp ; however, we were not vexed. 

 We had plenty of provisions ; a little repose would not 

 hurt us, especially as we were looking forward to fresh 

 adventures. 



We made ourselves comfortable, provided wood, and 

 had placed ourselves in a half circle round the fire, when 



