EEMARKS : 



The eggs illustrated, Plate XXXIX, fig. 2, were taken in Morrow county, in the spring of 1881, and 

 purchased by Mr. Oliver Davie, of Columbus, Ohio. They represent the usual variations in size, shape, 

 color, and markings. 



The following remarks in regard to the habits of this species have been prepared, at my request, by 

 my father. Dr. Nelson E. Jones. 



The Wild Turkey is by far the most valuable and interesting of the birds indigenous to this conti- 

 nent. It surpasses all others in size, in beauty, and in delicacy of flesh. It has also, by successful 

 cultivation, become an important article of food in almost every part of the world, and stands high at the 

 head of domestic fowls. 



The Wild Turkey, like most animals, has quite strong attachments to place, and in sparsely settled 

 countries, and where subsistence can be obtained, seldom quits accustomed walks, or leaves the district 

 where raised, but remains and breeds in the same locality from year to year. In the spring the sexes 

 separate and occupy different portions of the forest, the gobblers going their rounds together, and the hens 

 keeping more or less by themselves. 



When the female builds her nest she exercises wonderful care and precaution to keep the secret from 

 the males and depredators. She approaches the place with apparent indifference, but always by a cir- 

 cuitous route, differing with each visit, and when quitting the nest covers the eggs with old leaves and 

 other light material common to the locality. The faculty of caution and desire to keep the nest secreted 

 by false approaches, and to conceal the eggs by covering, is not entirely eradicated by domestication. I 

 have frequently observed similar manifestations in the tame Turkey, and have often known them to cover 

 their eggs after the fashion of the tame Goose. 



When several broods are hatched by Wild Turkeys of the same family, they soon become associated 

 as one responsibility, each mother giving alike attention to the united flock. In the fall, the young and 

 old, male and female, come together and so continue throughout the winter. They subsist upon seeds, 

 grain, nuts, berries, and insects. They seldom, if ever, roost two consecutive nights in the same locality; 

 yet, by some plan, forethought, or design on the part of the leader, they always have good accommoda- 

 tions, although seeming to put up wherever dark overtakes them. They generally select the tallest 

 trees and, when the foliage is on, roost upon the topmost cluster of twigs and leaves, letting themselves 

 down among the small boughs in a way that quite conceals them. When the leaves are off, they take 

 to great limbs, rough projections, and places adapted to concealment as best they can find among the 

 branches of the largest and oldest trees ; and as a measure of additional secuinty, disperse themselves over 

 a whole grove of timber, and w^hen any disturbance or indication of danger is manifested at the outposts, 

 it is readily understood, and quickly acted upon by the whole company. If undisturbed through the 

 night, and when it is yet scarcely dawn of day, at the signal cluck of the leader, as he lights upon the 

 ground, the rest fly for the spot, and in a few minutes every Turkey presents himself at this roll-call, 

 and, after going through a quick but friendly recognition, all immediately start off on foot for some not 

 fai'-distant field, in search of food. 



It may be a matter of interest to here state, that as late as 1867, Wild Turkeys were quite numer- 

 ous in many parts of Ohio, and in the fall and winter seasons, previous to this date, it was no unusual 

 thing to see fifty to seventy-five of these birds in a single flock, in almost any wooded country found 

 along the principal water-courses. 



For many years I kept up an affectionate acquaintance with six flocks or families of these birds oc- 

 cupying different sections in one county. Their yeai'ly increase preserved their numbei's admirably, and 

 every fall, from 1852 to 1866, I was pleased to compliment their size and numerical appearance. But, 

 what is most singular, as well as sorrowful, these birds all disappeai'ed during the summer of 1867, and 



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