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Buildings 259 



receive as much as $1.50 per pound. In some 

 districts, it is reported that great stress is laid 

 on the grit which is furnished these fattening 

 geese. Small pieces of antimony ore are said to 

 be highly prized for this purpose. In some places 

 the geese are suspended in nets, which prevent 

 them from taking exercise. 



Houses. Geese require inexpensive and small 

 houses. Comparatively rude and simple struc- 

 tures answer every purpose. Simple shelter from 

 the storm is all that is necessary during the 

 larger part of the year. While they require 

 larger houses than ducks, and do not stand 

 crowding to so great an extent, yet the buildings 

 need not be expensive. Geese will require about 

 the same space in the building per pound of 

 live weight as ducks, but being much larger, 

 require larger buildings for the same number of 

 fowls. 



Laying qualities. Geese are long-lived. It is 

 stated on good authority that they frequently 

 live from thirty to fifty years, and individuals 

 have lived to be more than a hundred years 

 old. The females retain their breeding qualities 

 through life, yet it is recommended to keep only 

 young ganders. Those from three to five years 

 of age are preferred. Geese are good sitters and 

 make good mothers. In this respect they still 

 retain well their natural instincts. Under ordi- 



