14 THE HIVE OF THE BEE-HUNTER. 
however, cannot be called its most legitimate form; as 
will be noticed in the progress of our chronicle. 
The taste that makes the deer and fox hunt a favor- 
ite amusement, is not the foundation on which to build 
a true turkey hunter. The baying of hounds, the 
clamor of the horn, the excitement of the chase, the 
pell-mell and noisy demonstration, are all destructive to 
the successful pursuit of the turkey,—consequently, the 
turkey hunter is distinct and peculiar; he sympathises 
with the excentric habits of the bird, with its love of 
silence, with its obscurity, and it is no objection to him, 
if the morning is whiled away in the deep solitude, in 
comparative inaction, for all this favors contemplation 
worthy of an intellectual mind. 
It is unnecessary to describe the bird, though we 
never see it fairly represented except in the forest. 
The high-mettled racer that appears upon the course 
is no more superior to the well fed cart-horse, than is 
the wild turkey to the tame; in fact, nothing living 
shows more points of health and purity of blood than 
this noble bird. Its game head, and clear hazel eye, 
the clean, firm step, the great breadth of shoulder, and 
deep chest, strike the most superficial observer. Then 
there is an absolute commanding beauty about them, 
when they are alarmed or curious; then they elevate 
themselves to their full height, bringing their head per- 
pendicular with their feet, and gaze about, every feather 
in its place, the foot upraised ready at an instant to 
