I06 GAME BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA. 



can be obtained in which to observe them when in their domestic 

 relations. Their habits are therefore unknown to many. Severe 

 battles often take place between the gobblers to determine which 

 shall be the happy spouse of some hen that watches without 

 seeming interest the struggle going on for her sake. The vic- 

 torious hero, strutting proudly by the side of the well pleased hen, 

 becomes so much excited over his victory, that the red and white 

 of his head and neck assume a deep purple. With tail spread to 

 its utmost extent, and one wing sweeping the ground, an old gob- 

 bler presents a fine picture of self-satisfaction and pride. 



A spot in the far off mountain is selected under a sheltering 

 log or jutting rock, the dried leaves and grasses of the last fall are 

 scooped out, and in the hollow thus formed the eggs are deposited. 

 These number from ten to twenty, and are most carefully guarded 

 by the mother. In leaving or approaching the nest, she always 

 makes use of a circuitous route, and the eggs when left alone are 

 always covered with dead leaves to protect them from the prying 

 eyes of prowling opossum or crow, who would make short work 

 of the clutch if the opportunity offered. 



As soon as the young are hatched, a spot easier of access is 

 sought where the young birds may obtain food more readily. 

 Both parents take great interest in the growth and progress of 

 their young family. The wild turkey is more hardy than its 

 domestic cousin, and the rains of spring and the early summer 

 months affect the health of the young brood much less than our 

 tame and domesticated varieties. A dry season is preferable for 

 their rapid development. At one month old the real trials and 

 dangers of the young family begin. At this age there is sufficient 

 good eating in the young turkey to make the chops of Reynard 

 water with delight, and the numerous hawks are not insensible of 

 their delicious flavor. 



The young birds are exposed to the greatest amount of danger 

 in the latter part of August and the first of September ; they are 

 then about the size of a common barn-yard hen, and are an easy 

 prey for the hunter. A flock of half grown turkeys startled by the 

 approach of any one, will take immediately to the nearest trees, 

 and can be shot one after another from their perches. This mode 

 of slaughtering the poor birds is poor fun and a disgrace to a true 



