160 



THE TURKEY. 



ly,) indicate a desire for incubation, it is better to pre- 

 vent her, and use the eggs for household purposes. 



TREATMENT OF THE YOUNG- BROOD. 



THE treatment of the chicks next demands considera- 

 tion. Some books tell you to plunge them in cold water, 

 to strengthen them ; those that survive will certainly be 

 hardy birds. Others say, "make them swallow a whole 

 pepper corn," which is as if we were to cram a New- 

 town pippin down the throat of a new-born babe. Oth- 

 ers, again, say, "give them a little, ale, beer, or wine." 

 We know, unhappily, that some mothers are wicked 

 enough to give their infants gin, and we know the con- 

 sequences. Not a few advise that they be taken away, 

 and kept in a basket by the fire-side wrapped in flannel, 

 for eight or ten hours. Why take them away from her ? 

 She has undergone no loss, no pain, nor labor ; she wants 

 no rest, having had too much of that already. All she 

 requires is the permission to indulge undisturbed the 

 natural exercise of her owe affectionate instinct. 



We have seen that even the wild chicks are delicate, 

 and unable to endure wet. We may say the same with 

 regard to young grouse and partridges, the flocks of 

 which are much thinned by a wet season. But if the 

 wild chicks are tender, much more so are those of the 

 domestic strain. As in the case of young fowls, the 

 turkey chicks do not require food for several hours. It 

 is -useless to cram them, as some do, fearing lest they 

 should starve ; and, besides, the beak is as yet so tender 

 that it runs a chance of being injured by the process. 

 When the chicks feel an inclination for food, nature di- 

 rects them how to pick it up. There is no occasion for 

 alarm if, for thirty hours, they content themselves with 

 the warmth of their parent, and enjoy her care. Yet 

 some food must be provided for them, and this should be, 

 of course, suited to their nature and appetite. Here, 

 too, let the simplicity of nature be a guide. I say this 

 because some have recommended spices, wine, and even 

 bathing in cold water. 



Give them nothing ; do nothing to them ; let them be 

 in the nest under the shelter of their mother's wings at 



