THE CANADA GOOSE. 



121 



In the extreme Northwestern States it is said to breed in 

 trees. It is now known to breed abundantly in the North-- 

 west Territory, especially along the Assinniboin River with 

 its many tributaries. It usually makes its nest on the 

 ground, near some stream or sheet of water, often on 

 secluded islands in larger rivers. One nest found by 

 Audubon " was placed on the stump of a large tree stand- 

 ing in the center of a small pond, about twenty feet high, 

 and contained five eggs." The same author says: "The 

 greatest number of eggs which I have found in the nest of 

 this species was nine, which I think is more by three than 

 these birds usually lay in a wild state." Again: "The 

 eggs measure, on an average, 3.50 X 2.50, are thick- 

 shelled, rather smooth, and of a very dull yellowish- 

 green color. The period of incubation is twenty-eight 

 days. They never have more than one brood in a season, 

 unless their eggs are removed or broken at an early period. 

 The young follow their parents to the water a day or two 

 after they have issued from the ^^%^ but generally return to 

 land to repose in the sunshine in the evening, and pass 

 the night there under their mother, who employs all 

 imaginable care to insure their comfort and safety, as does 

 her mate, who never leaves her during incubation for a 

 longer time than is necessary for procuring food, and takes 

 her place at intervals. Both remain with their brood until 

 the following spring. It is during the breeding season that 

 the gander displays his courage and strength to the greatest 

 advantage. I knew one that appeared larger than usual, 

 and of which all the lower parts were of a rich cream-color. 

 It returned three years in succession to a large pond a few 

 miles from the mouth of Green River, in Kentucky, and 

 whenever I visited the nest it seemed to look upon me 

 with utter contempt. It would stand in a stately atti- 



