96 THE PEOPLE'S PRACTICAL POULTRY BOOK. 



The spring goslings are easily reared, and are a fair average quality for the 

 table. The disparity in size between the sexes is considerable, often amount- 

 ing to over one-third of their relative weights. Its color, as its name in- 

 dicates, is a pure, spotless white, which, contrasted with its yellow or orange- 

 colored bill and legs, gives quite a pleasing effect, and it certainly deserves 

 to rank in the first class of ornamental poultry." 



THE BARNACLE GOOSE. 



The Barnacle breeds in Iceland, Greenland, and the north of Russia and 

 of Asia. It is of handsome form, standing high on its limbs. The flesh is 

 excellent, and they weigh about eight pounds a pair. The bill is small and 

 black, with a reddish streak on each side ; the cheeks and throat, with the 

 exception of a black line from the eye to the beak, white ; head, neck, and 

 shoulders black : under plumage marbled with blue, gray, black, and white : 

 tail black ; under parts white ; legs dusky. Although the Barnacle is shy 

 and cautious in a wild state, yet when brought under a state of domestication 

 it is as tame as any of the goose tribe. 



THE BRANT GOOSE. 



This and the Barnacle goose are the smallest of their tribe yet introduced 

 to our aquatic aviaries ; both being less in size than some ducks. The 

 Brant is considered one of our most savory birds. In its transit from its 

 breeding-places near the Arctic sea, it appears in great numbers on the coast 

 of New- York in the first and second week in October, and continues pass- 

 ing on to the south until December. Some few have been observed to re- 

 main all winter. They are again seen with us in April and May, on their 

 way north, when they are in the best condition. "Immense numbers of 

 Brant geese," says Mr. ST. JOHN, "float with every tide into the bays formed 

 by the bar. As the tide recedes, they land on the grass, and feed in close 

 packed flocks. On the land, they are light, active birds, walking quickly, 

 and with a graceful carriage. On any alarm, before rising, they run together 

 as close as they can ; thus affording a good chance to the sportsman, who 

 may be concealed near enough, of making his shot tell^among their heads and 

 necks." 



