252 SKETCHES OF BUBAL AFFAIBS. 



dered otherwise than cruel to shut them into a low 

 close hen-house, from which they show the most eager 

 desire to escape. Open sheds, yet secure from mois- 

 ture, and high perches, are what these birds require ; 

 a ladder being also necessary, lest they injure them- 

 selves in flying from their roosting-places. 



The county of Norfolk is noted for rearing great 

 numbers of turkeys for the London markets. But not 

 only is it profitable to rear turkeys on a large scale, it 

 is also a great advantage to a cottager to possess a few 

 of these birds, for they find the greater part of their 

 food themselves in the roads and hedges. Care should 

 be taken, however, that they trespass not on the pro- 

 perty of others, for they are exceedingly fond of grain, 

 and at certain seasons are a great annoyance to the far- 

 mer, and should be carefully kept out of the way of 

 mischief. Snails, slugs, and worms are also favourite 

 morsels with the turkey. 



In the month of March, the turkey-hen begins to 

 show, by her increased animation and haughty step, 

 that the laying season is at hand ; and at the same 

 time, if not prevented, she will wander abroad, and 

 endeavour to steal away from observation. When these 



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symptoms are observed, together with a peculiar note 

 which she utters at this season, her owner should pre- 

 pare a nest, and put a chalk egg into it, to induce her 

 to lay there. She will usually lay in the morning 

 either daily or every second day, the total number of 

 her eggs being from fifteen to twenty ; her mate must 

 not be allowed to be present while she is laying, as he is 

 apt to break the egg. Each egg, as it is laid, should be 

 taken away, to prevent its being broken, or sucked by 

 vermin ; if put in a basket, in a dry and airy place, the 

 eggs will keep very well till the hen has done' laying ; 

 .hey are larger than those of a common fowl, and are of 

 a dull cream colour with reddish dots. Before the hen 

 has done laying, she often shows a great anxiety to sit ; 

 she clucks like a common fowl, and remains persever- 



