NATURAL HISTORT. 287 



So have I seen, within a pen, 

 Young ducklings fostered by a hen ; 

 But, when let out, they run and muddle, 

 As instinct leads them, in a puddle." SWIFT. 



920. The number of geese sent from the northern and eastern counties t London for 

 sale annually is immense. They are now conveyed by rail, but former'y used to be 

 driven by gooseherds (gozzards). These were furnished with long sticks, having a 

 piece of red rag fastened at one end as a lash, and a hook at the other. Of this reJ 

 rag the geese always had an unaccountable dread. The goose grazes, and, like the 

 ox, is alarmed at a red colour, probably from the same cause, (see 540). 



921. Why was the goose an object of respect to tJie 

 ancient Roman people? 



On account of a circumstance by which a flock of geese saved 

 the capital of Eome from surprise and capture. 



The goose, although regarded as an emblem of stupidity, 

 is a very watchful bird, and when anything strange appears, sets 

 up a loud and unmistakeable gabbling. 



922. The Gauls, under Brennus (year of Rome, 364), were in possession of the 

 greater part of the city. The garrison, however, still held the capitol, and that 

 with such obstinacy that the Gaulish general had no hope but to starve it out. One 

 day, Brennus was informed of a secret path by means of which he would be able 

 to enter, and surprise the capitol. Accordingly, a chosen body of his men we> e 

 ordered by night upon this dangerous service, which they, with great labour and 

 difficulty, almost effected ; when suddenly the garrison was awakened to vigilance 

 by the voices of some sacred geese kept in the Temple of Juno. They instantly 

 flew to arms, and the capitol was saved. 



923. Why are aquatic birds enable<l to plunge into water and 

 to emerge from it perfectly dry ? 



Because their feathers are coated with an oily matter, which 

 renders them not only impermeable to water, but repellanl of it ; 

 so that no perceptible effect, is produced by that element. 



924. Why are ducks and other ivater-birds more assiduous in 

 Brimming their feathers than land-birds? 



Because their plumelets being of very close texture, any slight 

 derangement in them is readily felt from the air getting access to 

 the skin through the breach thence occasioned. 



925. Why do geese " waddle" in their walk ? 



their legs are placed wide afart, so that they may act 



