PEAFOWL, GUINEA-FOWL AND QUAIL 105 



with the wild birds still to be found in Africa. No changes 

 in form have occurred, but at least two color-varieties have 

 appeared. The white is the best known and has long been 

 established, although it is not abundant. The lavender is 

 of more recent occurrence. It is a light gray in color, and 

 as it is rather attractive, seems to be enjoying some popu- 

 larity. 



Although believed to have been domesticated since very 

 early times, the guinea-fowl still retains much of its native 

 character and never has become so thoroughly satisfied with 

 changed conditions as has the domestic fowl. 



If given its freedom, it will range far, with as little re- 

 gard for domestic conventions as shown by the peafowl. 

 Under such conditions, it is uncommonly hardy. In the 

 New York Zoological Park, the guinea-fowl roost in the 

 tallest trees the year round, and are undismayed even by 

 the severest weather. 



They seem to do best when kept in small flocks, in which 

 'the sexes are about even. There may be some quarrel- 

 ing among the cocks, but this is of little consequence. 

 The hens steal away in the early summer and make their 

 nests in secluded spots, where they are found with difficulty. 

 Frequently several females combine their interests in a 

 single nest, which may contain a great number of eggs. 

 Under such circumstances incubation is very much a mat- 

 ter of chance, although the chicks which are hatched are 

 certain of good care, for the entire flock unites in looking 

 after their welfare. The period of incubation is twenty- 

 eight days. 



As the chicks are easily reared by a domestic hen or in 

 a brooder, it is best to collect the eggs as soon as the clutch 

 seems completed. The young birds may be treated as 

 pheasant chicks, and are equally or perhaps even more 

 hardy. 



