THIS noble bird used to be common in all parts of America, but it is fast diminishing, and is now seldom found except in the western territories. It is often larger than the domestic turkey; it goes in flocks, and feeds on grain, seeds, fruits, &c. It is the original stock of the domestic turkey. The colour of the males, called gobblers by the hunters, is a dark brown.

Mr. Charles Lucien Bonaparte has given a long and interesting account of this bird. He says they sometimes fly across broad rivers, by ascending the tallest trees on one side, and the whole flock then starting together. Some of the younger and weaker ones are occasionally drowned.

THE wild turkey was first carried to Europe and other parts of the eastern continent and domesticated many years after the discovery of America. It is said to have obtained the name of Turkey from its being introduced when it was the custom to derive many of the luxuries of life from that country. It is now extensively diffused over the world, and its flesh is ranked among the most delicious poultry.

The cock is a cowardly fellow, strutting about, and displaying his plumage with great ostentation; he is also very noisy and quarrelsome. The hen seems to possess a more modest and retiring disposition, wandering about the fields with a melancholy and dejected air, occasionally uttering a short plaintive note. She is exceedingly attached to her young, but leads them away from danger without ever attempting to defend them by repelling an attack.

THE PEACOCK.

THE plumage of this bird is more gorgeous and beautiful than that of any other of the feathered race. Its form is also elegant; and, as if conscious of these personal advantages, it often spreads its gaudy tail and marches about with a pompous step, apparently vain of its beauty, and anxious to display to the eye of the beholder its rich and changing hues. The female, or peahen, is smaller, and by no means so beautiful.

The Peacock is nearly a useless bird, and his voice is as discordant as the filing of a saw. It was first brought from India, and is now found in nearly all countries. It is said to grow larger, and to possess more magnificent plumage, in its native climate than in other regions. It is mentioned among the importations of Solomon from the East. In the days of chivalry it was in such high repute as to be the subject of a knightly oath.

THIS bird is a native of Africa, but is now common in, a domestic state, both in Europe and America. Its head is small, its back very much arched, its legs long, its colour black, thickly spotted with white. At a little distance its general hue seems to be a grayish blue. It has a harsh, clanging cry, which is exceedingly disagreeable. It is very prolific in the production of eggs, and its flesh is esteemed a great delicacy. Among the Romans it brought a high price.

THE DOMESTIC COCK.

THIS noble bird was first brought from Asia, but is now diffused over most parts of the civilized world. He possesses very beautiful and variegated plumage, a fine form,

and a courageous spirit. He is very attentive and gallant to the hens, and will allow no male intruder to mix with his retinue. The sagacity which enables him with such precision to announce the hour of dawn is matter of astonishment.

The hen is a most useful fowl. Her devotion in hatching her eggs, and her spirit, industry, and courage in taking care of her chickens, are worthy of admiration. With her train of little followers she presents an extremely interesting spectacle.

THE PHEASANT.

THE Pheasant of Europe, in shape and plumage, is one of the most elegant of birds. It was originally brought from the banks of the river Phasis in Asia-Minor, whence it derives its name. In shape it resembles the wild pigeon of America, its tail being eighteen inches in length. It is beautifully marked with various brilliant hues. It is never completely domesticated, but lives generally in the forests. They are often seen in the parks of the rich in England. An American feels a strong emotion of surprise and pleasure when he first looks on one of these noble birds. The

P