THE TURKEY. 



GallinacecB. 



PLATE XI. WILD TURKEYS. 



THE native country of the wild turkey extends from the 

 north-western territory of the United States to the isthmus 

 of Panama ; south of which it is not to be found. In 

 Canada, and the now densely-peopled parts of the United 

 States, this bird was formerly very abundant ; but the 

 progress and aggressions of man have compelled them to 

 seek refuge in the remote interior. It is not probable that 

 the range of the wild turkey extends to or beyond the 

 Rocky Mountains. The Mandan Indians, who a few 

 years ago visited the city of Washington, considered it one 

 of the greatest curiosities they had seen, and prepared a 

 skin of one, to carry home for exhibition. 



It is not necessary to be particular in describing the ap- 

 pearance of a bird so well known in its tame state. The 

 difference consists chiefly in the superior size and beauty 

 of the plumage in the wild turkey ; for, under the care of 

 man, this bird has greatly degenerated, not only in Europe 

 and Asia, but in its native country. When full grown, 

 the male wild turkey is nearly four feet in length, and 

 nearly five in extent (from wing towing), and presents in 

 its plumage a rich assortment of colors, brown predomi- 

 nating, which might be vainly sought in the domesticated 

 bird. Altogether his appearance is such as, with other 

 considerations, disposed Dr. Franklin to regret that he, 

 rather than the bald eagle, had not been selected as the 

 national emblem of the United States. But since the cho- 

 leric temper and the vanity of the lame turkey have become 

 proverbial in various languages, the authors of " American 

 Ornithology " are well pleased that its effigy was not 

 placed on the American flag. 



