waters of the flood had abated.* The Dove was accounted clean by the law of Moses, and was appointed, on certain occasions, as an offering to the Lord. Thus, we read of " a pair of turtle-doves, or two young pigeons." It formed one of the articles of merchandise which were improperly allowed to be sold in the Temple at Jerusalem; the traffic in them within the courts of the house of God having called forth the holy indignation of His blessed Son.‡ The Psalmist says of those who are restored by God's mercy to goodness and happiness, that "they shall be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold;" and in his troubles he said, "Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I flee away and be at rest."§ The Jews, when lamenting the calamities they were suffering for their sins, are represented by Isaiah, as mourning "sore like doves." In the above three passages the inspired writers have used similitudes taken from the beauty of plumage, the rapidity of flight, and the plaintiveness of voice peculiar to these birds. And as to the gentleness of their disposition, Christ, in giving his disciples rules of conduct, when in the midst of their enemies, said, "Be ye there. fore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves ;" || that is, Behave with the prudence and watchfulness of serpents, but cultivate at the same time the innocence and simplicity of the Dove. Gen. viii. 8, 9. + Luke ii. 24. Matt. xxi. 12. § Psalm lv. 6. Matt. x. 16. THE TURKEY. MELEAGRIS GALLOPAVO. THIS useful bird was not known in Europe till about three hundred years ago, when it was brought from America to France. It was imported into England in the reign of Henry the Eighth, and soon became a favourite article of food, especially at the Christmas season. Turkeys are reared in great numbers in Norfolk, Suffolk, Devonshire, and some other counties, whence they are sent to the London markets. In their wild state, in North America, Turkeys herd together in large flocks, but, like the native Indians, they are every year becoming more scarce, having been driven from their former haunts by those who have taken possession of the land. Severe discipline is exercised in these flocks by the old birds, particularly the males, which seem to govern the youngers with great authority. "The young males," says Bishop Stanley, "are called gobblers, and are compelled to live by themselves; for if they venture to approach their seniors, they are sure of being severely punished: many are killed on the spot by repeated blows on the skull." The hunting of birds of this species is a frequent diversion of the natives of Canada. When they have discovered a number collected together, they send a well-trained dog into the midst of them. The birds no sooner perceive their enemy, than they make off at full speed, and with such swiftness, as to leave the dog behind. He however follows, and at last forces them to take shelter in a tree, where they sit exhausted, and incapable of further exertion, till the hunters knock them down with long poles, one after another. Their food consists chiefly of acorns, berries, and insects. The male bird is proverbially of an angry and excitable disposition. The female is generally more mild and gentle; she is often seen with a large family around her; but, though so large and powerful a creature, she gives them very little protection against the attacks of any mischievous animal that comes in her way. warns them to take care of themselves, but does not, like the common hen, willingly encounter danger for their sakes. She THIS bird is of the order called Gallina, or Poultry, which is the most useful and valuable kind of birds; the Turkey, Pheasant, Common Hen, Guinea-hen, Moor-fowl, Partridge, Pheasant, Quail, and a few others, being of the same order. The Peacock is more ornamental than useful; for though his flesh is of a good flavour, his form is so elegant, and his plumage so fine, that he is generally kept with great care in the grounds of his owners in the country, for the sake of his beauty; and there he may often be seen, walking with firm and slow steps along the gravel walks, or perched upon some parapet, or on the branch of a lofty tree, while he holds up his head and spreads his richly-coloured train, as if waiting to be admired. Though this bird is very beautiful to the sight, the cry which he frequently utters from some high branch, or from the roof of the house, is harsh and unpleasant. Nor do these lovely feathers remain through all the year; they are shed at certain times; and the creature when deprived of them seems ashamed, and tries to hide himself, till the returning season restores his usual attire. Spenser, in the Shepherd's Calendar, in his lines on this bird, shows the unprofitableness of mere outward beauty, when it is unaccompanied by better qualities: "So praysen babes the peacock's spotted traine, Like other birds of the Poultry kind, the Peacock feeds on corn; his favourite food is barley; though he does not refuse to eat insects or tender plants; nor, when hungry, is he at all particular in his diet. Peacocks are found wild in Asia and Africa; but the largest and finest are met with in India. They are mentioned in Holy Scripture as forming part of the cargoes of the fleet which carried treasures to the court of King Solomon: "Once in three years came the navy of Tharshish, bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and Peacocks," 1 Kings x. 22; 2 Chron. ix. 21. Their plumage is also alluded to in the book of Job: "Gavest thou the goodly wings unto the Peacocks?" Job xxxix. 13, |