72 
DOMESTIC FOWL. 
THE SWAN. 
This well-known ornament to tlie lakes at our Central Park was introduced 
here from Eastern Europe. All are familiar with the graceful deportment 
of this bird while sailing on the surface of the water. Unfortunately, its 
progress on land by no means corresponds with its aquatic grace, being con¬ 
fined to an awkward waddle. 
The female swan makes its nest of a great mass of dry reeds placed among 
osiers or rushes near the water, and lays sis or eight large white eggs. 
During the time of incubation, and while the young are still small, the parent 
birds defend them with great assiduity and courage. 
THE T U EKE Y. 
Turkeys are too well known to need much description. Their appellation 
is a misnomer; for they come not from Turkey, but from this country, and 
were quite unknown in Europe till after the discovery of the New World. 
In the great forests of the Western States, the turkey is found wild in 
flocks. It is esteemed a stupid animal in its wild state, and indeed does not 
seem to belie that character when tamed. Often threatening, but very sel¬ 
dom fighting, it is looked upon with merited contempt by courageous cocks, 
and in the poultry-yard occupies the equivocal position of a bird known as 
a bully and a coward. The poultry-yard in which turkeys are kept should 
be large and roomy. Their food is principally corn, of which they will eat a 
large quantity. 
While the turkey chicks are very young, they may be fed with a mess 
