Wild Turkeys 281 



not only destroys the home of the game by removing 

 the woods but causes frequent forest fires, which 

 are destructive at the brooding season. Probably 

 the number of wild turkeys is diminishing, yet, 

 owing to their shy nature, they are not likely to 

 become entirely extinct for many years. 



The wild turkeys that are now found in the 

 forests of North America are those which, have 

 been strong enough to withstand the unfavorable 

 conditions to which they have been subjected and 

 which have escaped their natural enemies. In 

 other words, they furnish a most excellent illus- 

 tration of the "survival of the fittest." Persons who 

 nave had experience in breeding wild turkeys in 

 confinement are convinced that they will do well 

 and retain good breeding qualities on less food than 

 will be required to keep domesticated turkeys in 

 the same condition. 



Wild turkeys appear to be somewhat taller in 

 proportion to their weight than domesticated ones. 

 "They thrive and keep in good condition on less 

 food than the domestic turkey. Their slender, 

 alert appearance is striking to the most careless 

 observer. Their breadth of shoulder, deep chest 

 and firm step 'are noticeable when they are compared 

 with the domestic turkey. The head is small in 

 proportion to the body, and has a clean, game-like 

 appearance. The eyes are large, bright hazel, and 

 full of intelligence and suspicion. . . . Gobblers, 



