228 OUT OF DOORS. 



sible, it always roosts in a tree, and prefers to sit on 

 the branches during the coldest night, rather than rest 

 warmly in a comfortable shed. It is a charming bird 

 on the table, whether roast or boiled, but it gives great 

 trouble in the field. It loves to roam about and pick 

 up the insects, seeds, and other food that it may light 

 upon in the course of its rambles. It has a special 

 liking for traversing hedge-rows, and will spend hour 

 after hour in this pursuit, never seeming to weary, and 

 pecking away as smartly at the end as at the beginning 

 of its run. The only method of securing the return of 

 the turkey is to make a practice of feeding it well in 

 the evening, choosing some diet of which it is especially 

 fond. It is then sure to come home and partake of 

 the food, and can be quietly shut up while discussing 

 the viands. 



Though a native of Northern America, and subject 

 therefore to extreme cold, it does not seem to bear our 

 comparatively mild winter when young, and is especially 

 sensitive to water, being apt to die if wetted. After 

 they have passed through their chickenhood the young 

 birds are much more hardy, and require less care. In 

 mere point of hardihood they are equal to any of our 

 indigenous birds, provided that they have fairly attained 

 their maturity. They can endure a severe frosty night, 

 spent in the open air, without apparent inconvenience, 

 even though their feet should be frozen to the branches 

 on which they have perched. But they are always 

 perilous creatures to manage, and will not repay their 



