198 INSESSORES — CURSORES. 



for beneath the fallen leaves, and such berries and 

 small fruits as are within the reach of its very limited 

 flight. 



In the early part of the Autumn the Turkeys col- 

 lect in small companies, the gobblers by themselves, 

 and the old hens with their troops of young, which 

 are but about half grown. They then commence to 

 move about in search of fallen acorns and other 

 small nuts. They tiavel on foot except when their 

 progress is intercepted by rivers, or when surprised 

 and forced to take wing by an enemy. Audubon 

 says : " When they come upon a river, they betake 

 themselves to the highest eminences, and there often 

 remain a whole day, or sometimes two, as if for con- 

 sultation. During this time, the males are heard 

 gobbling, calling, and making much ado, and are 

 seen strutting about as if to raise their courage to a 

 pitch befitting the emergency. Even the females 

 and young assume something of the same pompous 

 demeanor, spread out their tails, and run round each 

 other, purring loudly, and performing extravagant 

 leaps. At length, when the weather appears settled, 

 and all around is quiet, the whole party mounts to 

 the tops of the highest trees, whence, at a signal, 

 consisting of a single cluck, given by a leader, the 

 flock takes flight for the opposite shore. The old 

 and fat birds easily get over, even should the river 

 be a mile in breadth ; but the younger and less robu&i 

 frequently fall into the water, — not to be drowned, 

 however, as might be imagined. They bring their 

 wings close to th^ir body, spread out their tail as a 



