GALLINACEOUS BIRDS. 



441 



The Turkeys (Meleagris; have the head and the upper part of the 

 neck covered by a soft skin, which is destitute of feathers. Under the 

 throat there is a fleshy appendage that hangs from the neck, and 

 another of a conical form from the forehead ; these in the male become 

 turgid during excitement. A bunch of stiff hairs, likewise, is ap- 

 pended to the breast of the male. The tail coverts can be raised so 

 as to form a circle, and the males have feeble spurs. Turkeys, of 

 which only two species are known, are originally from America, 

 whence the Jesuit missionaries introduced them into Europe. The 

 first Turkeys appeared in France in 1570, and were served at the 

 wedding of Charles IX. They have since been naturalized in all 

 climates on account of the excellence of their flesh. 



The Peacocks (Pavo] have the head covered with feathers and or- 

 namented with a crest ; the legs are armed behind with a conical 

 spur ; but the most remarkable characteristic of these birds is, that 



FlG. 368. PEACOCK. 



in the male the upper tail coverts are longer than the quills, and may 

 be elevated when he spreads his tail, the feathers of which are of un- 



u 3 



