251 



DOMESTIC WATER FOWL. 



GEESE. 



As we have no great experience in the rearing of 

 Geese, we shall quote from a very useful work, in two 

 volumes, by R. W. DICKSON, M. D., London, 1805 : 



" There are several distinct breeds of Geese kept in 

 different places ; but the largest and most useful sort, 

 whether for the purpose of food or feathers, is the com- 

 mon breed. 



" In the choice of store Geese, care should always 

 be taken to procure them as large in size as possible, and 

 from places where they have been well kept. Geese, 

 like most other birds, begin to lay in the spring months; 

 and the earlier this happens the better, as the price of 

 early green Geese is generally high, and in some cases 

 it may be possible to have a second brood. Both these 

 purposes may be promoted by letting them be well fed 

 with oats, grains, or some such kinds of food at the 



