hamlet alike, until the goal is reached, or until the weather discourages further 

 movement for a time. The Geese move usually at a considerable height, form- 

 ing open V-shaped figures, with the oldest or strongest gander in the lead at 

 the apex ; or else in single oblique lines. Each bird demands as clear a field as 

 possible, and this is best secured by an arrangement which allows each goose 

 to look over the wings of the one next preceding, right or left, according to the 

 branch of the V which it occupies. The line of march shifts and changes 

 under the eye, as the hindmost birds become dissatisfied with their positions, 

 and change sides, or as tired leaders give place to fresher birds ; and the changes 

 are accomplished not without much lordly discussion in high-pitched honks. 



When selecting a pond or corner of the lake in which to spend the night, 

 the birds first circle about cautiously at a safe height, and then slide down 

 the air from a point a mile or so away, approaching the water silently and at 

 a low angle. In rising from the water or the ground, the Geese prefer to make 

 a little run, or preliminary flutter, to get headway, but are capable of clearing 

 either by a sudden spring. The flight is heavy and labored at near aspect, 

 but strong and swift when under way. 



Like all Geese this species feeds principally upon tender herbage, berries, 

 sedge roots and aquatic plants. Stubble-fields afford a tempting banquet, and 

 waste corn is eagerly gathered up. In winter the birds are very regular about 

 their meals, rising punctually at daybreak and flying inland to feed for two 

 or three hours in the grain fields. The middle of the day is passed quietly 

 upon the pond, dabbling for water-cress and duck-weed, or enjoying one- 

 legged slumbers on the sand-bar. Hunger drives them to forage again late 

 in the afternoon, usually at the same spot visited in the morning. At such 

 times the Geese are exceedingly vigilant and wary ; and it would appear that 

 when feeding upon the ground, one or more of their number are charged 

 with sentry duty. In countries where winter shooting is still allowed, rifle 

 pits are dug during the night in grain fields known to be frequented by the 

 Geese, and their call imitated by the crouching hunter as they approach at 

 early dawn. 



Usually the nests are made of grass and placed near the borders of sloughs, 

 or else upon the high prairie. Eggs have been taken from the top of muskrat 

 houses, or found on weedy sand-bars, without other nest-lining than the down 

 from the bird's breast. Stories of their occupying Ospreys' or Eagles' nests 

 early in the season are numerous, and, I believe, well founded. In June, 1896, 

 while traveling in northern Washington, near the British Columbia line, I 

 came upon two large Ospreys' nests placed at a great height in balm trees, 

 near the Okanogan River, and occupied by the owners. I was informed by 

 a neighboring farmer sportsman, in whose word and judgment I had implicit 

 confidence, that earlier the same season two pairs of White-cheeked Geese (the 

 western form of the Canada Goose) had successfully reared their broods in 

 the same nests. 



Canada Geese are readily domesticated and breed in captivity. The fol- 

 lowing interesting notes on the habits of these Geese in captivity were made 



491 



