THE PEA FOWL. 
247 
lest we should cause her to desert her charge. Six 
eggs were in this way deposited and secured, and which, 
with the one destroyed at first, made seven, four of 
which were hatched. During the long period of hatch- 
ing, in the most inclement season, exposed to very 
severe weather, wo resolved to rim the risk of endea- 
vouring to protect the devoted bird. The first day we 
put up a branch or two over the spot she had chosen ; 
then a few more ; and during a pitiless night, a com- 
plete awning was erected, consisting of a piece of mat- 
ting, which screened her from the incessant rain and 
wind, like an umbrella. During all these operations 
the bird continued to sit upon her nest, apparently 
conscious of the care and sympathy exerted in her 
behalf. It would thus appear, that with proper pro- 
caution, this bird may be managed with nearly as much 
freedom as the Common Domestic Fowl, and instead 
of being a rara avis in our yards, it might form a 
profitable and highly ornamental addition. The flesh 
of the young bird for the table is, in our opinion, 
exquisite ; much superior to that of the Turkey, resem- 
bling more that of the Common Pheasant. Although 
this bird be more independent of regular supplies of 
food being held up to it than other Domestic Poultry, 
yet, when young, the Chicks should be repeatedly 
attended to, and the same food which we have recom- 
mended before, namely, oat meal, a very little mois- 
tened, will be found very suitable for them. 
