234 THE NATURAL HISTORY 



variety of melody. The swallow, as has been observed 

 in a former letter, by a shrill alarm bespeaks the attention 

 of the other hirundines, and bids them be aware that the 

 hawk is at hand. Aquatic and gregarious birds, especially 

 the nocturnal, that shift their quarters in the dark, are 

 very noisy and loquacious ; as cranes, wild-geese, wild- 

 ducks, and the hke ; their perpetual clamour prevents 

 them from dispersing and losing their companions. 



In so extensive a subject, sketches and outlines are as 

 much as can be expected ; for it would be endless to 

 instance in all the infinite variety of the feathered nation. 

 We shall therefore confine the remainder of this letter to 

 the few domestic fowls of our yards, which are most 

 known, and therefore best understood. At first the 

 peacock, with Ms gorgeous train, demands our attention ; 

 but, like most of the gaudy birds, his notes are grating 

 and shocking to the ear : the yelling of cats, and the 

 braying of an ass, are not more disgustful. The voice 

 of the goose is trumpet-like, and clanking ; and once 

 saved the Capitol at Rome, as grave historians assert : 

 the hiss also of the gander is formidable and full of 

 menace, and " protective of his young." Among ducks 

 the sexual distinction of voice is remarkable ; for, while 

 the quack of the female is loud and sonorous, the voice 

 of the drake is inward and harsh and feeble, and scarce 

 discernible. The cock turkey struts and gobbles to his 

 mistress in a most uncouth manner ; he hath also a pert 

 and petulant note when he attacks his adversary. When 

 a hen turkey leads forth her young brood she keeps a 

 watchful eye : and if a bird of prey appear, though ever 

 so high in the air, the careful mother announces the 

 enemy with a little inward moan, and watches him with 

 a steady and attentive look ; but if he approacli, her note 

 becomes earnest and alarming, and her outcries are 

 redoubled. 



