244 THE DOMESTIC TURKEY. 



constituting different varieties, but there is very little difference 

 in any among us at x present, as" regards size, or other qualities 

 that render one variety sought for in preference to another. I 

 have recently heard of some splendid large specimens in Cali- 

 fornia, that weigh seventy pounds the pair, and I shall make 

 an effort to obtain the stock. 



The turkey must have a wide range, to be profitable. They 

 require a dry place to make their nests in, on the ground, and 

 a secluded nook. It is a good plan to provide a bushel or two 

 of dry leaves for their nests. They sit from thirty to thirty-one 

 days. The young require no food the first day, but for the 

 next few days, they should be fed on boiled egg and soaked 

 bread, or curd mixed, or a few pounded crackers, mixed with 

 the egg, is very nourishing. When they are two weeks old, 

 meal and grain should be fed to them, and they should be well 

 housed in stormy weather, as nothing causes a young turkey 

 to droop sooner than dampness. With care, and suitable food, 

 they may be easily raised. They are subject to diseases, but 

 no specific rules can be adduced to effect cures, as in the case 

 of the gapes, &c., in chickens. Curds are probably the best 

 food that can be given them, but not to be fed wholly on that 

 food, unless they are enabled to pick up a good portion of their 

 living in the range that is allowed them. 



