86 
THE TURKEY. 
from each other; they are white and spotted, like the eggs 
of the turkey. She sits from twenty-seven to thirty 
days. 
The loud screamings of the Peacock are worse than the 
harsh croakings of the raven, and a sure prognostic of had 
weather ; and his feet, more clumsy than those of the turkey, 
make a sad contrast with the elegance of the rest. 
THE TURKEY, (Meleagris Gallo-Pavo ,) 
Was originally an inhabitant of America, whence he was 
brought to Europe by some Jesuit missionaries, which ac- 
counts for his being called a Jesuit in some parts of continental 
Europe. Except the tuft on the head, which he does not 
share with the peacock, and his plumage, which is very 
different from that of the latter, he is like him in many par- 
ticulars. The general colour of the feathers is brown and 
black ; and turkeys have about the head, especially the cock, 
naked and tuberous lumps of flesh of a bright red colour. A 
long fleshy appendage hangs from the base of the upper 
mandible, and seems to be lengthened and shortened at 
pleasure. The hen lays from fifteen to twenty eggs, which 
are whitish and freckled. The chickens are very tender, 
and require great care and attentive nursing, before they 
are able to seek their food. 
