The earnest and early propensity of the game- 

 fowls to roost on high is very observable ; and 

 I 1 me discovers a strong dread impressed on their spirits 



respecting vermin that may annoy them on the 

 ground during the hoars of darkness. 



Hence poultry, if left to themselves and not housed, will perch 

 the winter through on yew trees and fir- trees ; and turkeys and 

 guinea-fowls, heavy as they are, get up into apple trees ; pheasants 

 also, in woods, sleep on trees to avoid foxes ; while pea-fowls 

 climb to the tops of the highest trees round their owner's house 

 for security, let the weather be ever so cold or blowing. Partridges, 

 it is true, roost on the ground, not having the faculty of perching ; 

 but then the same fear prevails in their minds ; they never trust them- 

 selves to coverts, but nestle together in the midst of large fields, 

 far removed from hedges and coppices, which they love to haunt in 

 the day, and where, at that season, they can skulk more secure from 

 the ravages of rapacious birds. 



As to ducks and geese, their awkward, splay, web-feet forbid 

 them to settle on trees ; they therefore, in the hour of darkness 

 and danger, betake themselves to their own element, the water, 

 where, amidst large lakes and pools, like ships riding at anchor 

 they float the whole night long in peace and security. G. W. 



150 



