392 



DUCKS. 



From the central position of their legs, the moderate size of 

 their feet, and the length of their tarsi, the geese walk readily on 

 land, and, indeed, are much more frequently seen there than on 

 the water. They swim, however, with buoyancy and ease, but 



\' 



mm- 



'M^ 



Fig. 194.— The White-fronted Goose {Anser albi/rotis). 



rarely dive, and only in cases of great emergency, when wounded 

 or otherwise unable to escape. 



In diet they are graminivorous as well as granivorous, that 

 is, live upon grass as well as upon grain, indeed, chiefly on the 

 former ; and for procuring such kind of food their laminated bill 

 is admirably adapted. For this purpose they seek the meadows 

 of the interior of the country, and resort much to fields of young 

 From the great size of their wings, their 



