1 66 DOMESTICATED ANIMALS 



mainland of this continent. Although these kinds are dis- 

 tinguishable by plumage, they are probably only varieties of 

 a common species. This is indicated by the fact that our 

 tame flocks readily intermingle with their wild kindred. 



The ease with which the turkey becomes domesticated is 

 remarkable. In this regard the creature may be compared 

 to our cocks and hens. In both cases the tamableness is 

 doubtless to be explained by the fact that the primitive forms 

 dwelt in permanent association, the movements of which were 

 in a way controlled by the adult males, and by the fact that 

 the forms had abandoned the use of wings for wide-ranging 

 flight. The change which has been brought about in the 

 turkeys with their adoption into the human association has 

 been slight. No distinct varieties of breeds have been origi- 

 nated, though here and there the observer may note slight 

 local variations in the coloration of the plumage, which are 

 probably due to varying admixtures with the wild forms of 

 our forests. Thus in Kentucky and other parts of the South, 

 where the opportunities for the intermingling of blood of the 

 tame and wild forms are frequent, the domesticated creatures 

 often resemble so nearly the wilderness forms that even the 

 wary hunter may make mistakes as to whether the bird he 

 sights be fair game or not. Unless carefully watched, a drove 

 of these creatures on the border of the wilderness is apt 

 gradually to return to the wild state, the three or four cen- 

 turies of life about the home of man not having been suffi- 

 cient to do away with their ancient love of freedom. 



Among the English folk of North America the turkeys 

 found a large place as an element of the food-supply. It 

 has become curiously associated with the Puritan festival of 

 Thanksgiving, an institution which has spread throughout 



