WILD TURKEY. 
17 
ound. On meeting with an impediment of this kind, after 
considerable delay they ascend to the tops of the tall trees, 
at the cluck of the leader they launch into the air for the 
opposite shore. The transit is a matter of little difficulty, 
plough considerable labor, for the older birds ; but the younger 
^ less robust sometimes fall short of the bank, and are either 
rowned or attain the land by swimming. After crossing, it is 
remarked that they often become an easy prey to the hunter, 
s t ey seem bewildered by the new country in which they 
^ave arrived, or more probably are fatigued by the novelty and 
X ent of their excursion. After long journeys and privations, 
in frosty weather or while the ground is covered 
jl' snow, they are sometimes reduced to the necessity of 
^ ^ 'ng their appearance near farm-houses, where they now 
and associate with the poultry and enter the stables 
cribs after grain. In this desultory and foraging manner 
spend the autumn and winter. 
son latitude and the advancement of the sea- 
though always very early in the spring, they begin to be 
instinct of propagation. The males commence 
The^ and court the society of their retiring mates, 
cf roost apart, but in the same vicinity, and at the yelp 
If h ^ '^i'c gobbling becomes reiterated and extravagant. 
and^T ground, a general rush ensues to the spot; 
tallv^^*^^^*^ appears or not, the males, thus acciden- 
depre together, spread out their train, quiver and 
Pomn^^ wings, and strutting and puffing with a 
the naake battle, and directing their blows at 
Asw'th ’ destroy each other in a fit of jealousy, 
ite ^ domestic fowls, several hens usually follow a fiivor- 
hegffit his immediate neighborhood until they 
®ggs -h’ withdraw from his resort to save their 
therefor destroy if discovered. The females are 
Soon aft^ company only for a few hours in the day. 
the adv Period, however, the male loses his ardor, and 
*tig out th^^^ of affection now become reversed, the hen seek- 
VOL II reluctant mate. In moonlight nights 
