34« GEESE. 



Thus much for the attachment of the Goose to man ; and 

 many equally striking instances might be adduced of a similar 

 attachment to animals. The two following anecdotes show 

 the mutual affection which may exist between this bird and 

 the dog. 



A species of the armed, or Cambrian Goose, a native of 

 Africa, belonging to a person in Scotland, was observed for 

 some time to pay particular attention to a dog which was 

 chained up ; and what was singular, this dog had invariably 

 manifested a great dislike to poultry, never allowing them to 

 come within reach of his chain. But, in this case, he laid 

 aside all his former animosity, and received his new acquain- 

 tance with every mark of affection. The Goose, finding she 

 had nothing to fear from her canine friend, would enter his 

 kennel, — in the centre of which, among the straw, she made 

 her nest, and deposited her eggs, which was not known till 

 one of the family mentioned that the Goose slept in the dog's 

 bosom. The singularity of the circumstance led to an examina- 

 tion of the box (but not without the greatest reluctance on the 

 part of the dog, who appeared determined to protect what was 

 left to his care). On removing the straw, five eggs were dis- 

 covered in a fine bed of down and feathers. The dog was in 

 the habit of going into his box with the greatest care, for fear 

 of injuring the eggs.* 



A Canada Goose was also observed to associate itself, in a 

 similar manner, with a house-dog ; and would never quit the 

 kennel, except for the purpose of feeding, when it would 

 return again immediately. It always sat with the dog, but 

 never presumed to go into the kennel except in rainy weather. 

 Whenever the dog barked, the Goose would cackle, and run to 

 the person at whom she supposed the dog was barking, trying 

 to bite him by the heels. Sometimes she would attempt to 

 feed with the dog ; but this was not allowed by the dog, who 

 treated his faithful friend with as much indifference as the 

 farmer above mentioned. The Goose would never go to roost 

 at night with her natural companions, unless driven by main 

 force ; and when in the morning she was turned into the field, 

 * Phil. Mag., vol. lvi. 



