244 REPTILES AND BIRDS. 
_ possibly the descendants of the proud companions of Brennus, or of 
the conquerors of Northern Italy, appear still to inherit this ances- 
tral hatred. At some of the French village fétes they are in the 
habit of hanging up geese by the feet in order to cut through their 
necks with a sword, or to beat them to death by hurling stones 
and sticks at their heads. At every blow the poor creature must 
suffer dreadful agony, but it is relieved by death. It is then borne 
away in triumph, and its mutilated carcase afterwards appears at 
table to be devoured by its destroyers. The National Assembly of 
France most properly forbade this brutal and sanguinary amusement, 
as being dishonourable to a civilised nation. 
It is difficult to say why the Goose should have been considered 
from the earliest ages as the symbol of stupidity. Their sight is 
sharp and piercing, and they enjoy a remarkable delicacy of hearing. 
Their watchfulness seems never at fault. When they either sleep 
or eat, one of their number is placed as a sentinel. With neck 
stretched out and head in the air, the guard scrutinises the distant 
horizon in every direction, ready at the slightest alarm to give a 
signal of danger to the rest of the flock. 
The figure formed by a flight of Wild Geese indicates no slight 
degree of intelligence. They place themselves in two slanting lines, 
forming a <shaped angle, or sometimes in a single line, if they are 
not numerous. This arrangement allows each bird to follow the 
route with the least possible amount of resistance. When the 
individual which heads the flight begins to be fatigued, it takes its 
place in the rear, each bird in its turn leading the flock. 
Geese being too numerous to travel in large flocks, it appears 
as if they’ fixed upon some rendezvous where they separate in 
order to distribute themselves over various countries. ‘To Europe 
they come principally from Asia. On their arrival, the flocks 
disperse themselves over different districts. In our land they make 
their appearance towards the beginning of winter, and depart to- 
wards the end of April. Formerly they are said to have been 
abundant, and to have been even permanently resident ; now they 
are rare, and are seldom known to breed with us. On their arrival 
they resort to open pastures and cultivated fields, feeding on the 
roots of aquatic grasses, young corn, clover, and other green herb- 
age. On an alarm being given by the bird on watch, they all erect 
their necks, run forward, and uttering their loud, grating cry, spring 
into the air, departing with a heavy, measured, but powerful flight. 
According to Temminck, “the wild goose inhabits the seas, coasts, 
and marshes of eastern countries, seldom advancing northward be- 
