256 A DESCRIPTION OF 
On the top 
Of yon magnolia, the loud Turkey's voice 
Is heralding the dawn ; from tree to tree 
Extends the wakening watch-note far and wide, 
Till the whole woodlands echo with the cry. SOUTHEY. 
THE PIN.TADO. (Numida Meleayris.) 
THIS bird, which is called also the Guinea Hen, or Pearled 
Hen, was originally brought from Africa, where the 
breed is common, and seems to have been well known to 
the Romans, who used to esteem the flesh of this fowl as 
a delicacy, and to admit it at their banquets. It went 
then by the name of Numidian Hen, or Meleagris, a com- 
pound Greek word, which implies somewhat of the prin- 
cipal characteristics of the bird, namely, stupidity and 
Avildness. In fact, although they are now domesticated 
with us, they still retain a great deal of their original 
freedom, and have a stupid look. Their noise is very dis- 
agreeable ; it is a creaking note, which, incessantly re- 
peated, grates upon the ear, and becomes very teasing and 
unpleasant. They belong to the class of birds called 
pulveratores ; as they scrape the ground and roll them- 
selves in the dust like common hens, in order to get rid 
of small insects which lodge in their feathers. 
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