138 



AQUATIC FOWL. 



THE TOULOUBB OOO8B. 



dark-brown ; the breast is slaty-blue ; the belly is white, as also 

 the under surface of the tail ; the bill is orange-red, and the feet 

 are flesh-coloured. The London Zoological Society have pro- 

 nounced them to be the unmixed descendant of the gray-lag ; these 

 birds have likewise been successful competitors, wherever shown 

 in Ireland. It may be well to remark, that the abdominal pouch, 

 which, in other geese, is an indication of old age, exists in them 

 from the shell. Their flesh is tender and well-flavoured. It is 

 quite certain that their cross on our domestic goose, would be 

 found a most valuable acquisition. 



There are two prevailing colours amongst our domestic geese, 

 white and gray. We have a large, white variety, usually termed 

 Embden geese, which are very superior, from their extra size, and 

 additional value of the feathers. If you wish a gray goose, by all 

 means cross with the Toulouse, than which nothing can be finer. 

 One gander is sufficient for five or six geese ; the goose lays from 

 ten to twenty eggs at one laying ; but by removing the eggs as 

 fast as they are laid, and feeding her well, you may increase her 



