From a Drawing by Harrison Weir. . 
AYLESBURY DUCK AND DUCKLINGS. 
TURKEYS, GEESE AND DUCKS.* 
By W. BP. PYCRAFT, A.L.S., F.Z.S. 
T has been said that the names of the greatest benefactors of the human race are 
unknown, and undoubtedly there is truth in this statement. Who, for instance, 
gave us the Turkeys, Geese and Ducks of our poultry-yards? We have no means of 
knowing, and never shall know. But of this much we can be certain: we are indebted 
to the donors for an inestimable blessing, for they have added to our resources by 
providing us with a certain supply of food, and have enabled us to celebrate our 
great feast of Christmastide becominegly ! 
Though the oldest of these birds is undoubtedly the goose, it has been surpassed 
in favour, at least in England, by the turkey. This bird is of American origin, being 
the descendant of the wild Mexican turkey. It appears to have been brought to 
Europe during the early part of the sixteenth century; at any rate there is little 
doubt that it was established in Hurope by 1530. 
Three distinct species of turkey are found in a wild state. The species known as 
the “American Turkey” is regarded as the king of American game-birds, and though 
becoming scarcer, is still eagerly hunted either with the mfle or with greyhounds. The 
Mexicans gravely assert that the coyotes catch turkeys by moving in circles under the 
roosting-tree till the birds get dizzy with watching them and fall down! 
[*For the coloured plate and all the illustrations to this article (except that of the white turkey) the 
Editor is indebted to the author, artist and publishers of ‘Our Poultry,” by Harrison Weir, a work which 
deserves world-wide recognition. The drawings here reproduced, and also the coloured plate, are all by Mr. 
Harrison Weir, who has made a life-long study of his subject.] 
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