382 THE CAMBRIAN GOOSE. 



his part. How long it would have continued, or to 

 what extent, we lament to add, he effectually precluded 

 the world from knowing; for, with an unpardonable 

 inattention to so truly a wonderful case, in addition to 

 equally unpardonable superstitious fear, he took it into 

 his head, that this mysterious affection of the poor Goose 

 foreboded some evil; and in a moment of alarm, he killed 

 the faithful bird. 



Thus much for the attachment of the Goose to man; 

 and many equally striking instances might be adduced, 

 of a similar attachment to animals. The two following 

 anecdotes show the mutual affection which may exist 

 between this bird and the dog. 



A species of the armed, or Cambrian Goose, a native 

 of Africa, belonging to a person in Scotland, was ob- 

 served for some time to pay particular attention to a 

 dog which was chained up; and what was singular, 

 this dog had invariably manifested a great dislike to 

 poultry, never allowing them to come within reach of 

 his chain. But in this case, he laid aside all his former 

 animosity, and received his new acquaintance with every 

 mark of affection. The Goose, finding she had nothing 

 to fear from her canine friend, would enter his kennel, 

 in the centre of which, among the straw, she made 

 her nest, and deposited her eggs, which was not known 

 till one of the family mentioned that the Goose slept in 

 the dog's bosom. The singularity of the circumstance 

 led to an examination of the box (but not without the 

 greatest reluctance on the part of the dog, who appeared 

 determined to protect what was left to his care.) On 

 removing the straw, five eggs were discovered in a fine 

 bed of down and feathers. The dog was in the habit 

 of going into his box with the greatest care, for fear of 

 injuring the eggs*. 



A Canada Goose was also observed to associate itself, 

 in a similar manner, with a house-dog ; and would never 

 quit the kennel, except for the purpose of feeding, when 



* Phil. Mag., vol. LVI. 



