Colour of tile Wild Turkey. 
5 T 7 
to a resplendent green-black or purple, and showing in the sun the most magnificent chromatic 
tints, which no portrait can possibly reproduce. Most of the feathers on the body are margined 
with black, but there is a total absence of pure white on any feather of the whole body, this feature 
being one distinct mark of the pure wild American breed, though almost every other colour may be 
observed under the play of light upon the plumage. The latter is very close and hard, so that the 
bird weighs more even than the apparent size would lead any one to suppose. The eyes are bright 
hazel. The hairy tuft on the breast of the male is often nearly a foot long. This feature is often 
OCELLATED TURKEY (AFTER DR. BREHM). 
absent in the female, which is not much more than half the size of the male, or “gobbler,” and 
is also much less gorgeous in colour. 
Mr. W. Simpson kindly sent over to us for examination, and subsequent disposal ofi his 
account, a turkey cock, which he stated to be of pure wild descent, but bred in confinement , being the 
produce of old wild birds. He showed his wild blood in a very marked manner on arrival in 
England, but gradually settled down in his new quarters. It was found impossible to take any 
portrait of him except in a small pen, owing to his extreme wildness ; and no drawing could there- 
fore be made showing the free carriage which is so striking when at liberty. This bird was of 
moderate size, but splendid in colour and condition. 
