THE GALLINACEOUS TRIBES 



^47 



Emuden Geese 



XIII. Turkeys 



It is known that this superb bird is of Ameri- 

 can origin, and that it was introduced by 

 sailors and explorers into Europe, where it is 

 regarded as a domestic animal, and much care 

 has been taken in breedinff it. Crossinijs have 



A Pair of American Bronze Turkeys 



been made which hax'c resulted in new varieties. 

 The best known species is the bronze turkey of 

 America. It is, without contradiction, a noble 

 bird, which can bring in great profits. It is 

 still to be found in its wild state in certain 

 parts of the United States, where it lives in 

 flocks of from twenty to fifty and 

 even one hundred birds. It was soon 

 seen what profits there would be in 

 raising these turkeys, and great 

 establishments were made for the 

 purpose. Europe followed the ex- 

 ample of America, and now there is 

 scarcely a large farm on which these 

 birds are not kept. It is an acknowl- 

 edged fact that they are the best of 

 hatchers ; from twenty to twenty- 

 four eggs may be intrusted to them, 

 whence their name of " living incuba- 

 tors." They are also excellent care- 

 takers and guardians of their flocks. 

 To inexperienced persons the rais- 

 ing of turkeys offers little or no 



