CLASS-BOOK OF ZOOLOGY. ?9 



of a red and blue color, and is a native of America, 

 where it is still found in a wild state. 



§ 323. The Turkey was introduced into Europe after the 

 discovery of America, and is now domesticated every- 

 where on account of its delicate flesh. 



§ 324. The Turkey-hen lays about thirty eggs in the 

 spring, and sometimes in the month of August, which 

 are hatched in four weeks. 



§ 325. The Guinea-hen (Numida Meleagris) is twenty 

 inches long, of a gray color, variegated with white spots, 

 and has a small red crest upon a bluish head. 



§ 326. The Guinea-hen is a native of Africa, where 

 flocks from 200 to 300 are seen. It is everywhere do- 

 mesticated on account of its eggs and wholesome flesh. 



§ 327. The Common Hen and Rooster (Phasianus 

 Gallus) are found wild in Hindoostan, and are of a red- 

 dish-brown color ; but the domestic fowl is dispersed over 

 almost the whole of the globe, and was first introduced 

 into America by the Spaniards. 



\ 328. The inhabitants of Egypt used in the most an- 

 cient times breeding-stoves, for hatching at once 2,000 and 

 more eggs. Such stoves are heated by water, and kept 

 during three weeks, day and night, at a temperature of 

 about 90o Fahr. 



5 329. The egg consists of the yolk, the white, two 

 skins, and a calcareous shell, which is covered all over 

 with very fine pores for admitting the air. Upon tfre yolk 

 is seen a little white swelling, called treadle, from which 

 begins the formation of the chicken, and which may be 

 called the embryo, or forming creature. 



§330. The embryo cannot develop itself without air: 

 it breathes at the moment of its formation, which may 

 be proved by giving the egg a coat of gum, which 

 will prevent the admittance of air, and suffocate the 

 embryo. 



§331. The natural disposition of the Rooster is war- 

 like, and he will fight with any rival who comes in his 

 way. Some men, availing themselves of this trait in this 

 noble bird, excite them to fight for their amusement, 

 until one or both are lacerated or killed : a practice in- 



