CHAP. XII.] FARMING FOR LADIES. 249 



CHAPTER XII. 



Feeding and fattening of full-grown geese — Cooping — 

 Weight — Cobbett's plan — quality at different stages of 

 growth — Pate de foie gras — Mode of enlarging the liver — 

 Prejudices — Plucking of the feathers — Age £ind character 

 of the goose. 



Geese, although very voracious, are yet, 

 in point of economy, the most valuable birds 

 in our poultry-yards ; for, if turned upon a 

 common, or into a field, either with or without 

 a pond, they will graze upon the pasture like 

 sheep, wanting nothing more for nourishment 

 than the herbage and what food they may find 

 in the pools and surrounding ditches. They 

 cannot, however, be fattened upon such food ; 

 but should have chopped roots, or garden- 

 stuff with boiled potatoes and some corn, 

 every night, in order to attach them to 

 their home, and induce them to return to 

 it regularly. Were an abundant feed given 

 to them also in the morning, it would 

 not be thrown away ; for if not kept in 



