182 
NATURAL HISTORY 
the tenderest of birds; yet in its wild state it is found in 
great plenty in the forests of Canada, which are covered 
with snow above three parts of the year. It is there 
also, much larger than in a state of captivity, and its fea- 
thers are much more beautiful, being of a dark gray, bor- 
dered at the edges with a bright gold colour. 
The hunting of these animals forms one of the princi- 
pal diversions of the native Indian; as their flesh contri- 
butes to the support of his family. Having discovered 
their retreat, he sends his dog into the midst of the flock; 
and though the turkeys soon outstrip their pursuer by 
running, he continues to follow, till he at last forces them 
to take shelter in a tree, whence they are knocked down 
by a long pole, and easily taken. 
Though extremely prone to quarrel among themselves, 
they are, in general, weak and cowardly against other 
animals, and are seen to fly from almost every creature 
that will venture boldly to oppose them. On the con- 
trary, they pursue every thing that appears to dread 
them, particularly lap dogs and children: and after hav- 
ing made these objects of their aversion scamper, they 
evince their pride and satisfaction, by displaying their 
plumage, struting among their female train, and utteiing 
their peculiar note of self-approbation. Some instances, 
however, have occurred, in which the turkey-cock has 
exhibited a considerable share of courage and prowess. 
The female seems of a milder disposition than her 
consort. Rather querulous than bold, she hunts about 
in quest of grain and insects, and is particularly fond of 
the eggs of ants and caterpillars. She lays about eighteen 
or twenty eggs, and when her young begin to follow her 
in search of food, she rather warns them of danger than 
prepares to defend them. 
Pheasant. ( Tetrao Umbellus . PI. 27.) Nothing in- 
deed, can charm the eye with a greater richness and va- 
riety of ornament than this beautiful bird. The iris of 
the eye is yfellow, and the eyes themselves are sur- 
rounded by a scarlet colour, sprinkled with specks of 
black. The top of the head and upper part of the neck 
are tinged with a darkish green, which shines like silk. 
