256 THE PRACTICAL POULTRY KEEPER. 



confinement, like wild races of men.* On the other hand, 

 our long-domesticated races, like the Norfolk or Cambridge, 

 have been profoundly modified (as shown by increased 

 number of eggs, like the fowl), and have become more 

 tolerant of restriction, while more delicate as regards wet or 

 other exposure. This, and the immense difference between 

 England and America in extent and rental of land, all have 

 to be taken into account, if the best is to be done with a 

 given strain under given circumstances. 



To be practical. Turkey rearing should not be 

 attempted except on dry soil, preferably pretty high and 

 where the grass is poor, and not tainted by any heavy head 

 of other poultry, especially by ducks or geese. The greatest 

 care should be taken to avoid any in-breeding, by regular 

 introductions of fresh unrelated blood ; and the breeding 

 stock never be allowed to get over-fat, as presently noted. 

 Too many hens to one gobbler should also be avoided. 

 One union is sufficient to fertilise all of the eggs in one 

 laying of the turkey-hen, and hence it has been said that 

 the number of hens to one turkey-cock may be unlimited. 

 The best breeders, however, find that as the number of hens 

 allowed to one bird approaches a dozen, the chicks show 

 falling off in constitution ; and the number ought therefore 

 to be limited to about this. 



The turkey-cock may be used for breeding at two years 

 old, and the hen at twelve months, but are not in their 

 prime till a year older. They will be first-class breeding 

 stock, as a rule, for at least two years later, and many cocks 

 in particular will breed splendid chickens for considerably 

 longer. Here a very common mistake is made, even by the 

 Norfolk breeders, who are apt to sell their larger and older 

 birds, and breed from young stock, in order to save the 



* We have noted a somewhat similar instance of special delicacy to 

 confinement in the splashed Ancona amongst fowls. 



