CANADA GOOSE-SIIOOTING. 279 
And doubtless, by delving into the past long be- 
fore the days of Noah, we would learn that at the time 
Adam and Eve partook of the forbidden fruit in the 
Garden of Eden, these honkers, nameless at this time, 
dressed in gala-day suits of lead-color, black and white, 
waddled up to Adam and from him received their 
names—names by which they were always tobe known; 
and,atter being duly classified by him, departed for the 
first time on their annual migrations toward the ex- 
treme northern countries, a habit they have ever since 
been addicted to, and which all subsequent generations 
of geese have inherited. 
Their breeding-place is in the far North; so far in- 
deed, that they go beyond the possibility of pursuit by 
human foes. When the winter months have faded 
away, and the uncertainty of the season is apparent, at 
a time when our minds are in doubt as to whether or 
not spring has come, they begin their annual migra- 
tions, and rising to a height of from one to three hun- 
dred yards, set out on their apparently endless journey. 
The pedestrian in the Southern States hears their fa- 
miliarhonk, looks up towards the sky, and sees them, 
led by an old gander, in a triangular shaped flock, 
headed for the North. Inthe Middle States, their wel- 
come cries in mid-air are heard, their well-known forms 
are seen, and they bring pleasant recollections of warm 
rains, gentle winds and budding flowers. At our feet 
we see the snow fast melting into the mould, running 
trickling along on its course to the sea. And these 
geese, sure precursors of approaching spring, the vernal 
season we all like so well, receive from us a cordial nod 
of welcome, as we gaze with upturned faces and watch 
them as they disappear in the dim distance. 
