GEESE. 



69 



though he may pretend to deride her anger, will keep at 

 a respectful distance from her. Undoubtedly the goose 

 when attacking would have a more dignified appearance 

 did it keep its head back 

 in readiness for a stroke, as 

 does the swan, instead of 

 advancing with outstretched 

 neck. This, however, is 

 clearly the result of bygone 

 drill, and the reminiscence 

 of bayonet exercise. The 

 cry of the goose is scarcely 



melodious ; its hissing is almost peculiar to itself, its 

 congener, the swan, being alone with it in the possession 

 of the faculty of raising this angry and threatening sound. 

 A flock of geese advancing to the attack, hissing 



