334 DOMESTIC ANIMALS 



Geese. Goose raising is very profitable, as the geese need 

 no grain or dry food in the summer when they can have plenty of 

 grass to feed on. * The most popular varieties are the Toulouse 

 and the Embdens. 



The Toulouse came originally from the City of Toulouse in 

 southern France. They are of a uniform gray color and grow 

 to a large size, many of them weighing as high as forty to fifty 

 pounds. They require but little feeding and live to be thirty 

 years of age. 



The Embden geese are about the same size as the Toulouse, 

 but they are of a pure white color. Their feathers are of the 

 best, and they will average at least half a pound of feathers at a 

 picking. 



Both Toulouse and Embden geese will average about four pick- 

 ings a season. Geese are sometimes eaten, but they are valued 

 principally for their feathers. 



Guinea Fowls. Guinea fowls are of a somewhat wild dispo- 

 sition and thrive best when allowed a great deal of range. They 

 are usually of a beautiful blue-gray plumage and of medium size. 

 They are very fond of bugs and worms and destroy a great many 

 of them. Their flesh is of a fine flavor, and their eggs are always 

 in demand for culinary purposes. 



Peafowls. These fowls are raised for ornamental purposes 

 and are not valued for table purposes. Their long tail feathers 

 are of striking colors and are beautifully marked. Sometimes 

 these feathers are utilized for making fly brushes. 



The Ostrich. Ostriches are birds of large size and many of 

 them are from six to eight feet high. Their wings are of small size 

 and are incapable of being used for flight. Their legs are of 

 great size and strength. Ostriches are valued chiefly for the 

 fine plumes which they bear. These are used for making feather 

 boas and for trimming ladies' hats, and for other millinery 

 purposes. 



On account of their cost and the difficulty of caring for them, 

 but few ostriches are raised in this country. They are raised 

 principally in Arizona and California. A large ostrich farm is 

 maintained at Phoenix, Arizona, and another large one at 

 Pasadena, California. 



