146 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA : 



The breeding months include June to November ; Gould 

 says September, and Mr. Campbell quotes an instance when 

 fresh eggs were found in Central Queensland in the middle 

 of March. 



The Wild Turkey is a most voracious feeder, and in the 

 grass-hopper or locust season it is no uncommon sight to 

 see some of the birds so gorged with the above-named 

 insects as to be unable to rise from the ground ; in 

 this condition they are frequently killed with sticks. 



It is gratifying to know that these useful birds are now 

 protected all the year round in Victoria, and it is to be hoped 

 that any one found either killing the birds, or taking their 

 eggs, will be severely dealt with. Some time since, it 

 was no unusual occurrence to see a Wild Turkey hanging 

 for sale outside City poulterers' shops ; and as the excuse 

 was given that the birds were sent from New South Wales, 

 it was difficult to sheet home the blame to the proper 

 culprits. I therefore suggested that no person be permitted 

 to have these birds in their possession, or to expose them 

 for sale. This had the desired effect, and Victoria, at any 

 rate, is free from the blame of destroying what, in reality, is 

 one of the best insect- destroying birds known. This bird 

 is still common in some of the drier parts of Australia, 

 where, irrespective of its great value as a destroyer of 

 insects, it is relentlessly hunted and eaten, although it 

 requires to be specially cooked, after the method of 

 treating game. The Wild Turkey is found also in New 

 South Wales, Queensland, South, and Western Australia. 



