58 FRANK forester's FIELD SPORTS. 



" Specific Character. — Length of bill from the corner of the 

 mouth to the end two inches and three-sixteenths ; length of 

 tarsi two inches and seven-eighths ; length from the point of the 

 bill to the end of tail about forty inches ; wing eighteen ; the 

 head and greater portion of the neck black ; cheeks and throat 

 white. Adult with the head, greater part of the neck, prima- 

 ries, rump and tail black ; back and wings brown, margined 

 with paler-brown ; lower part of the neck and under plumage 

 whitish-gray ; flanks darker-gray ; cheeks and throat white, as 

 are the upper and under tail coverts. The plumage of the 

 female rather duller. 



" Late in autumn, especially when the wind is from the north- 

 east, the Canada Geese are seen in our section of country, 

 sailing high in the air, making their accustomed tour at that 

 season. Impelled by nature, they quit their northern abode, 

 and hazard an escape from the artifices of man, sooner than per- 

 ish amid the icy barrens of the frozen regions. When migrating, 

 many flocks unite and form a vast column, each band having its 

 chosen leader. They generally continue flying during the 

 night, but occasionally alight and await the day. Before doing 

 so, however, their experienced pioneers survey the space below, 

 and select a place favorable for food and safety. Sentinels are 

 then appointed from among the ganders to sound the alarm 

 should an enemy appear. I have seen them adopt the same 

 precaution when sanding in large flocks by day. Those sepa- 

 rate from the main body would move about with heads erect, 

 ready to catch the first sign of intrusion ; ' after strutting their 

 hour' they would return to the main body, their places being im- 

 mediately supplied by others. I have often been disappointed by 

 such a movement, supposing it to be a signal for flight, looked 

 well to my gun, but after waiting a few moments in suspense, 

 discovered it to be merely a change of guard. 



"The hoarse honking of the gander is so familiar to the inha- 

 bitants of our countiy, that it is impossible for them to arrive 

 among us without making their visit known. All welcome their 

 return ; the once keen eye of the aged gunner again sparkles 



