416 HISTORY OF 



These, and many other varieties, are found in 

 this kind ; which agree in one common character 

 of feeding upon vegetables, and being remarkable 

 for their fecundity. Of these, however, the tame 

 goose is the most fruitful. Having less to fear 

 from its enemies, leading a securer and a more 

 plentiful life, its prolific powers increase in pro- 

 portion to its ease; and though the wild goose 

 seldom lays above eight eggs, the tame goose is 

 often seen to lay above twenty. The female 

 hatches her eggs with great assiduity ; while the 

 gander visits her twice or thrice a-day, and some- 

 times drives her off to take her place, where he 

 sits with great state and composure. 



But beyond that of all animals is his pride when 

 the young are excluded : he seems then to con- 

 sider himself as a champion not only obliged to 

 defend his young, but also to keep off the sus- 

 picion of danger : he pursues dogs and men that 

 never attempt to molest him ; and though the 

 most harmless thing alive, is then the most petu- 

 lant and provoking. When, in this manner, he 

 has pursued the calf or the mastiff, to whose con- 

 tempt alone he is indebted for safety, he returns 

 to his female and her brood in triumph, clapping 

 his wings, screaming, and showing all the marks 

 of conscious superiority. It is probable, how- 

 ever, these arts succeed in raising his importance 

 among the tribe where they are displayed j and 

 it is probable there is not a more respectable ani- 

 mal on earth to a goose than a gander ! 



A young goose is generally reckoned very good 

 eating ; yet the feathers of this bird still farther 



