204 THE WILD TURKEY AND ITS HUNTING 



and spring to the trunk of the tree, and arouse 

 the herons from the margin of the rivers and 

 swamp ponds. Then comes the heavy booming 

 strut, and if he gobbles again, be quiet and let 

 him talk to his heart 's content. Unless you yelp 

 or cluck at this time, he becomes more and more 

 nervous and restless, and even dances on the 

 limb. Keep quiet; he will now give a few lusty 

 gobbles, and then there is a short pause. Look 

 out now. There is a rustle in the tree, a flip, 

 flip, and you see his big dark form leave the tree 

 and sail to the ground, giving his broad wings 

 a flop or two to ease up the impetus, and as he 

 strikes the earth a cloud of leaves arise in a cir- 

 cle to settle around him. The royal bird straight- 

 ens up his matchless form, and while his fine 

 hazel eyes scan the surroundings, you gaze with 

 admiration at his symmetry and beauty. More 

 likely than not he has alighted to one side; if so, 

 beware! Probably, too, if the woods are not 

 very open, you will not see him on the ground 

 and must judge as to his movements. 



If there be but one gobbler, wait a few minutes 

 after he is down, as he is listening and watching; 



