138 Turkeys. 



siderably in colour some being of a bronzed black, 

 others of a coppery tint, of a delicate fawn colour, or buff, 

 and some of pure white. The dark coloured birds are 

 generally considered the most hardy, and are usually the 

 largest. The chief varieties are the Cambridge, Norfolk, 

 Irish, American, and French. 



The Cambridge combines enormous size, a tendency to 

 fatten speedily, and first-rate flavour. The tortoiseshell 

 character of its plumage gives the adult birds a very pre- 

 possessing appearance around the homestead, and a striking 

 character in the exhibition room. The colours may vary 

 from pale to dark grey, with a deep metallic brown tint, 

 and light legs. The legs should be stout and long. 



The Norfolk breed is more compact and smaller-boned, 

 and produces a large quantity of meat of delicate whiteness 

 and excellent quality. The cocks are almost as heavy as 

 the Cambridge breed, but the hens are smaller and more 

 compact. The Norfolk should be jet, not blue black, 

 and free from any other colour, being uniform throughout, 

 including the legs and feet. 



All the birds in a pen must be uniform. 



The American wild turkey has become naturalised in 

 this country, but being of a very wandering disposition is 

 best adapted to be kept in parks and on large tracts of wild 

 land. It is slender in shape, but of good size, with uniform 

 metallic bronze plumage, the flight feathers being barred 

 with white, and the tail alternately with white, rich dark 

 brown, and black, and with bright pink legs. The wattles 

 are smaller than in the other breeds, and of a bluish tinge. 

 They are very hardy, but more spiteful than others, and 

 are said to be also more prolific. Crosses often take place 

 in America between the wild and tame races, and are 

 highly valued both for their appearance and for the table. 

 Eggs of the wild turkey have also often been taken from 

 their nests, and hatched under the domesticated hen. 

 The flavour of the flesh of the American breed is peculiar 

 and exceedingly good, but they do not attain a large size. 



