98 ESSEX SOCIETY. 



persons, of great moment to have an early litter of eggs, the 

 first turkey's egg being often a matter of as much congratula- 

 tion in the family, as the first baby's tooth. 



The turkey is an out-of-door bird. In this respect he retains 

 even in his domesticated state, that love of freedom which 

 characterizes the aborigines of our country. Turkeys have no 

 fondness for a shed or barn, as a roosting place, but in the cold- 

 est weather in winter, in the severest storms of snow, sleet or 

 rain, they prefer the open air and a lofty tree on which to take 

 up lodgings for the night. Here, perched head to the wind, 

 they ride out the hardest gales in safety and with apparent 

 pleasure. The instances are rare in which they are known to 

 perish, either from the cold or storm. Dickson, an English 

 writer, says that " it is important, during winter, that their 

 perches should not be exposed to the sweep of frosty winds, 

 which are apt to cause the feet of turkeys to freeze," and the 

 same cautibn is given by Dr. Bennett, in his work on poultry. 

 But such a misfortune I have never known to befall turkeys, 

 that all winter have risked themselves out on trees over night. 

 When the old hens shed their feathers late in the fall, as will 

 be the case when they have continued to lay a number of lit- 

 ters, it is well to house them in cold nights till they renew 

 their coat, and it may be prudent to do so in extremely severe 

 weather in winter. 



We will suppose now that winter is gone, and spring is begin- 

 ing to open. The notes of the robin are heard welcoming the 

 advent of warmer skies. As the snow melts away, patches of 

 green earth are here and there disclosed to view. Your turkeys 

 no longer hang about the barn, like so many loafers, but spend 

 most of their time in the orchard, and on the sunny side of 

 walls and buildings. The gentleman of the party is as full of 

 airs as any city exquisite, perambulating hither and thither, in 

 front and at the sides of his companions, more intent on excit- 

 ing admiration of his own person, than bestowing it upon 

 theirs. This species of courtship continues throughout the 

 spring, even after the hens have laid out their litters and have 

 begun to sit. His attentions to them during this latter period 

 often become so officious and annoying, that it is best to separ- 



