PREFACE. 7 



The origin of our TURKEY is the wild bird of 

 Mexico. It was domesticated by the Indians, 

 before the discovery of America, and brought to 

 Europe by the Spaniards. These birds are now 

 so extensively spread, that in some parts of the 

 continent they have nearly returned to their 

 original wild state. In their native wilds of North 

 America, they herd together in large flocks, but 

 are becoming more scarce, being driven from their 

 accustomed haunts by the settlers, \vho have 

 taken possession of their land. The following 

 account of them is given by a traveller in that 

 country. il I was awakened in the morning early 

 by the cheering converse of the wild turkey-cocks, 

 saluting each other from the sun-brightened tops 

 of the lofty cypress and magnolia. They begin at 

 early dawn, and continue till sunrise. The high 

 forests ring with the noise of these social sentinels, 

 the watchword being caught and repeated from 

 one to another for hundreds of miles around, 

 insomuch that the whole country is, for an hour or 

 more, in a universal shout." 



Tame turkeys, like all. animals in a state of 

 domestication, are of various colours ; but it is 

 needless to speak of a bird known to every one. 



