CHAPTER XXVI 
TURKEYS ON THE FARM. 
Not every one can engage in the turkey business as an 
occupation or means of livelihood, because so much is 
dependent upon surroundings. All farmers are not so 
situated that they can raise turkeys without incommod- 
ing their neighbors. ‘The laws of trespass are rigid in 
most States, and any neighbor who objects to your birds 
roaming over his fields can make you trouble, if he be so 
disposed. Turkeys must have range, and if your own 
fields are not wide enough to allow them that necessary 
element of success, either be sure of your neighbors’ 
good nature, or do not embark in the business at all. 
Many turkey-growers believe that turkeys have a perver- 
sity of disposition, which impels them to leave their own 
premises, where there is plenty of room, grain and grass- 
hoppers, and trespass on some neighbor’s land, to get 
less food. 
A few turkeys can be grown on a small farm; but 
there are plenty of abandoned farms in New England, 
which can be bought for the price of the buildings alone, 
large enough to grow large flocks. The convenience to 
large markets enhances the profits. Ip the Western and 
Southern States still greater numbers may be kept, owing 
to wider ranges and cheapness of grain. Common fowls, 
with proper care, can be kept with profit in any city or 
village lot, but centuries of domestication have not 
changed the turkeys’ natural love for a necessity of free 
range. They can be made tame by gentleness; they 
learn to be familiar with those who care for them, and 
can be taught to come home every night; but, as soon 
(288) 
‘ 
