THE GOOSE. 155 



from six millions to twenty-seven millions. Some idea 

 of the number of geese required to afford the supply 

 may be formed, by considering that each wing yields 

 about five good quills ; and that, properly managed, a 

 goose may produce twenty quills during the year. 



The smaller feathers and down of these birds contri- 

 bute largely to the nightly repose of multitudes. The 

 barbarous practice has long prevailed of plucking the 

 living bird, but it is going out of use : they are now 

 taken from the bird as soon as it is killed, and while 

 warm, lest the quills should lose their elasticity. Geese 

 yield also a rich food, with which, at certain seasons, 

 the London markets are plentifully supplied. 



