XVIII 

 WILD GEESE 



THE Canada wild goose, the common wild goose in 

 America, formerly was tremendously abundant 

 and visited the bays and marshes of both coasts in large 

 flocks on its Northern and Southern migrations. The 

 birds were equally plentiful in the interior, and nowhere 

 have I seen them in larger numbers than in the Missis- 

 sippi and Missouri valleys. The persistent shooting at 

 these big game birds during a long open season and the 

 destruction of their breeding grounds have caused a 

 marked diminution in their numbers. In many places 

 they are no longer seen. 



Since the wild geese are very wary birds and well able 

 to take care of themselves I am inclined to believe the 

 destruction of their breeding grounds is a more important 

 cause for their disappearance than the shooting is. 



The wild goose has been domesticated easily, and I 

 have seen it breeding in many States from New England 

 and North Dakota as far south as North Carolina. The 

 birds reared in captivity are used, for the most part, for 

 decoys; in some places they are bred as ornaments for 

 ponds and lakes. A number of the game farmers can 

 supply breeding fowls and eggs. Mr. Whealton has 



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