114 THE POULTRY-BOOK. 



heavy for their wings, and are apt to injure themselves in their 

 descent from a lofty perch, especially when in confinement ; 

 when at full liberty, they can take better care o themselves. 

 During warm weather they may be permitted to select their 

 own roosting-places on the trees about a farm ; but should be 

 well watched, lest they stray away ; and this indulgence should 

 on no account be granted them if frost be anticipated, as their 

 toes are tender, and apt to become frost-bitten. Indeed, sum- 

 mer is the only time of the year when this out-roosting may, 

 with safety, be permitted. 



The turkey is a most profitable bird, for it can almost 

 wholly provide for itself about the roads and hedge-rows ; 

 snails, slugs and worms, are among the number of its dainties, 

 and the nearest stream serves to slake its thirst. To the 

 farmer, however, it is often a perfect nuisance, from its love 

 of grain, and should, therefore, be kept in the yard until all 

 corn is too strong in the root to present any temptations. 



Notwithstanding the separation which, with the exception 

 of certain seasons, subsists in a wild state between the cock and 

 hen turkey, they have been brought to feed and live amicably 

 together in a state of domesticity. The former, however, 

 retains sufficient of his hereditary propensities to give an occa- 

 sional sly blow to a chick, or forward poult, but that very sel- 

 dom of a seriously malicious character. 



Mascall, in describing a turkey cock, (such as the breeder 

 should select,) says that he should be ' a bird large, stout, proud, 

 and majestical ; for when he walketh dejected, he is never 

 good.' Cheap Husb., p. 151. 



M. Parmentier says, that * both cock and hen should have 

 short legs, full shapes, and general vivacity and energy in all 

 their movements ; likewise, that they should be both well- 

 shaped and in healthy condition.' 



