252 FEATHERED GAME 



sixty inches. Its habits are very nearly iden- 

 tical with those of the better known Canada 

 goose, flying in the characteristic V-shaped 

 flocks and ranking about equal with that species 

 in table qualities. 



This goose is represented in the Old World 

 by a species so close to our own race that it is 

 doubtful if even an expert could with certainty 

 distinguish between them. Apparently the dif- 

 ference is entirely one of size, our own species 

 having a trifling advantage in this. 



THE CANADA GOOSE. 



(Branta canadensis.) 



What is the first harbinger of spring? 

 Surely the long files of the geese threading their 

 airy pathway are the surest signs that grim old 

 winter has begun to relax his grip upon the 

 earth. The boldest mayflower — the pluckiest 

 grassblades are not yet reckless enough to push 

 their tiny heads above the mud and ice which 

 make up the desolation called early spring in 

 New England. These merely listen to their 

 herald's trumpet note — then wisely turn over 

 for another nap. But never a whit cares the 



