GEESE. 133 



little humanity about it, as is felt by a native 

 savage in the moment of his proudest victory. 

 Whilst the fox attacks the birds, rats, skunks, 

 weasels, and other vermin, make equal havoc 

 with the eggs; sucking or carrying them 

 away with astonishing secrecy and despatch. 



Geese are not always inhabitants of the far- 

 mer's premises ; for, as they feed with a some- 

 what unsavoury spoon on the meadow-grass, 

 horses and other animals do not much relish 

 their leavings; in fact, they will not, if they 

 can help it, feed after them. It is where there 

 is an open green, or common, with ponds of 

 water, that these birds thrive best, and do their 

 owners most good. They are to a proverb 

 stupid ; yet have sense enough, in general, for 

 their occasions. They know their home ; and, 

 at the close of evening, resort, thither in a row, 



