SCRATCH EBS. 



281 



Ihey usually roost in flocks, perched on the naked branches of 

 trees, they ave easily discovered by the large owls, and when 

 attacked by these prowling birds, often escape by a somewhat re- 

 markable manoeuvre. The owl sails round the spot to select his 

 prey, but notwithstanding the almost inaudible action of his 

 pinions, the quick ear of one of the slumberers perceives the 

 danger, which is immediately announced to the whole party by u 

 cluck: thus alarmed, they rise on their legs, and watch the mo- 

 tions of the owl, who, darting like an arrow, would inevitably 



Bomestie Turkey. 



secure the individual at which he aimed, did not the latter sud 

 dcnly drop his head, squat, and spread his tail over his back j the 

 owl then glances over without inflicting any injury, at the very 

 instant that the turkey suffers himself to fall headlong towards 

 the earth, where he is secure from his dreaded enemy." 



The Guinea Fowl, or' Pintado, was originally brought 

 from Africa, and was anciently confounded with the turkey. From 

 its peculiar cry it has gained the name of " Come-back." In its 

 wild state it is gregarious, assembling in large flocks in some 

 marshy situation At night the birds roost on the trees in com- 



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