346 TETRAONIDJE. 



not been a specimen taken in New England for many years and the same is quite true 

 of many other sections of country equally large. Turkeys are, however, still common in 

 Florida, so common, in fact, that I have several times observed flocks from the deck of the 

 steamers that run up the St. Johns, and there is scarcely a hummock in the state, that is 

 not inhabited by them. They are, however, wary birds and know well how to take care 

 of themselves. 



The Wild Turkeys of (his section, feed about the dry hummocks all day but at night, 

 usually return to the swamps, often flying some distance to reach a favorite roost. When 

 feeding, during the early morning, they may be approached quite closely, and if surprised 

 in this way, they will often conceal themselves; then one may nearly tread upon them be- 

 fore they will rise. I once landed from my boat upon a heap of debris on the banks of the 

 St. John's River, to pick up a Great Carolina Wren which I had shot, leaving my gun be- 

 hind me, when a large Gobbler rose from directly beneath my feet, so near, that I could feel 

 the wind caused by the motion of his wings, and disappeared in the swamp. When aware 

 of the approach of an intruder, they will merely run away and, at such times, will not 

 take wing, even if shot at. 



During the winter, the Turkeys of Florida remain in flocks but toward spring, they 

 become separated, and at this season, near the middle of the day, I have frequently seen 

 solitary individuals sitting upon the lower limbs of some cypress which overhung the riv- 

 er, evidently enjoying a noontime siesta. At this season, the males gobble and cull from 

 the swamps before leaving in the early morning, and also after arriving upon their feeding 

 ground. These fine birds breed in May in Florida, placing the nests in some secluded 

 locality, usually in a dry hummock or along its edge, and the females sit closely, seldom 

 rising until approached quite nearly. 



Observations which I have made upon this species, tend to show that they were the 

 ancestors of the Domestic Turkeys; at least, the two varieties breed freely together, pro- 

 ducing fertile offspring which are everywhere in the South, regarded as superior to the 

 domestic stock. Those which I have seen which w T cre of mixed races, were fine looking 

 birds and retained much of the dark, iridescent plumage of their wild progenitors. 



FAMILY II. TETRAONID^}. THE GROUSE, ETC. 



Head and neck, completely feathered, while the tarsus is more or less covered. Top 

 of keel, equaling in length the depth of the inner marginal indentations. The tip is produced 

 forward. 



The terminal expansion of the furcula, is wide, rounded posteriorly, and does not ap- 

 proximate close to the sternum. Upper process of manubrium, produced forward. The 

 costal process is narrow, tapering toward point which is, however, rounded. The bone at 

 the extreme outer edge of sternum, beyond the outer marginal indentation, is not very 

 wide. There is a large perforation through the manubrium, and the sternum in front of keel, 

 is furrowed, but there is no very prominent central ridge. Nostrils, feathered, and there 

 is a naked space above eye. Toes, provided with scale-like fringes on the sides. 



