INTBODUCTIOlf. 



7 



which traded with the Levant. It is strangely different in 

 aspect from the Guinea-fowls and the Pheasants, though the 

 fleshy process above the beak and that on the throat remind us 

 slightly of the Tragopans, or the Powls with their combs and 

 wattles. 



The Turkey of Central America {Meleagris ocellata) is one of 



Kg. 3. 



The Crested Q-uinea-fowl {Numida oristata). 



the most gorgeous of all Birds, from the brilliant metalUc lustre 

 of its plumage of blue and green and other tints and colours. 



The Common Turkey was once widely distributed over the 

 more Southern region of the United States, and, not long ago 

 at the least, was plentiful in the valleys of the Mississippi and 

 Missouri. Franklin recommended the adoption of the Bird 



