AVES— WILD TURKEY. 



595 



settled parts of the Union, but are not numerous in Florida, Georgia, or the 

 Carolinas. They are very rare in the northern and eastern parts of the 

 United States. They were formerly abundant in Canada, but as their places 

 of resort become settled and thickly peopled, they retire and seek refuge in 

 the remotest recesses of the interior. In New England it appears to have 

 been destroyed many years ago, but they are still found in the eastern parts 

 of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. ; 



These birds do not confine themselves to any particular food, but eat corn, 

 berries, grapes, barley, tadpoles, young frogs, and lizards. Their favorite 



food, however, is the pecan nut, and acorn. Where there is an abundant 

 crop of acorns, there numerous flocks of turkeys maybe expected. In the 

 fall, they direct their courses in vast numbers to the rich lands on the bor- 

 ders of the Ohio and Mississippi. The males and females travel separately, 

 but all in the same direction. Before crossing a river, they assemble on the 

 highest eminences, and remain there as if in consultation for a day or two.. 

 At length, after due preparation, the leader gives a signal note, and they all 

 wing their Avay to the opposite shore. Some of the young and weak fall 

 into the water, and are obliged to swim for their lives, using all tlie means 

 in their power, and the most violent exertion, to reach the shore. Many, 



