THE TURKEY. 
141 
form groups which become objects of consequence.” 
Many of the larger gallinaceous birds might be em- 
ployed both as beautiful and useful adornments to 
the scenery of a modern park ; and, if water ranked 
among its advantages, another tribe might be intro- 
duced with equal effect. 
The turkey is generally esteemed a stupid bird, 
and, in its tame state, perhaps with truth. Its vigi- 
lance and cunning in its native forests, however, of- 
ten baffle the experience of well trained hunters ; 
and the attention and cunning of the female .are noted 
by Mr Audubon. The attention of the male to the 
young is also, in some cases, extraordinary. We have 
known him regularly attend and protect the female 
and brood from dogs, or other intruders ; and, in two 
instances, to take the sole charge upon himself, re- 
fusing to admit the female to any share of his cares. 
The same bird frequently drove the hen from her 
nest, and sat upon the eggs until hatched*. 
Mr Audubon relates a curious anecdote of the 
turkey, which also illustrates the disposition of the 
dog. 
“While at Henderson, on the Ohio, I had, among 
many other wild birds, a fine male turkey, which had 
been reared from its earliest youth under my care, 
it having been caught by me when probably not 
more than two or three days old. It became so 
* I once knew it take place upon two addled eggs, which 
the hen had long persevered upon, and upon which he 
kept his place for a fortnight Ed. 
