GEESE. 



Varieties. Gray Toulouse, White Embden, Gray African, White Chinese. 

 Brown Chinese, Canadian or Gray Wild and Colored Egyptian. 



WEIGHTS IN POUNDS. 



Toulouse Geese. This variety is bred in large numbers by farmers and 

 is undoubtedly the most popular in America. They are not considered to be 

 the best market geese, however, as their flesh is somewhat flabby and coarse. 

 They make heavy weights on coarse feed but are late in maturing. Their 

 late maturity gains the title for them of the Christmas goose, They are just 

 about ready for market at Christmas time. The females of this variety are 

 rather good layers, laying about forty eggs a season. The sexes are the same 

 color grayish on the breast and above, running to white under the body and 

 in the rear. 



Embden. The Embdens are probably second in popularity in this 

 country. They are about the same size as the Toulouse but their flesh is 

 better for table use. They are practical birds for farmers, paying well for 

 their keeping. The females are very good layers and setters. They do not 

 lay as many eggs as the Toulouse geese but they are persistent setters. 

 Their eggs are very large and white and have a rough, thick shell. The 

 young of this variety are quick to mature. The male and. female are both 

 white. 



African. This breed is considered by many the most profitable to raise. 

 They grow heaviest in the shortest time, as they will weigh from 8 to 10 

 pounds when only ten weeks old. The flesh is splendid for table purposes 

 as it is highly flavored and fine. The females are excellent layers, averaging 

 about forty eggs a season. These geese are light and dark gray. The neck 

 plumage is light gray with a dark gray stripe running from the head to the 

 body. The back is dark gray blending into light gray under the body. The 

 tail and wings are dark gray. Considering the time and labor spent in 

 raising them, this breed is a most profitable one to keep. 



395 



