138 THE POULTRY-BOOK. 



they can be raised with great facility. They are also very 

 heavily feathered, and in this respect are profitable. 



The description of the following- varieties is furnished by 

 Mr. John Giles, of Providence, who has fine specimens of each 

 in his possession. 



" The Barnacle goose. The forehead and cheeks white, 

 the rest of the head and neck black ; body grayish, barred with 

 black and white ; belly white. 



The Egyptian goose. Dark red round the eyes ; red 

 ring round the neck ; white bill ; neck and breast light fawn- 

 gray ; a maroon star on the breast ; belly red and gray ; half 

 of the wing-feathers rich black, the other part of them pure 

 white ; black bar running across the centre ; back light-red, 

 growing dark-red towards the tail ; the tail a deep black. 



It is a most stately and rich bird, reminding one of the sol- 

 emn antiquity of the Nile, with its gorgeous mantle of golden 

 hues and its long history. My Egyptian geese are very pro- 

 lific, bringing off three broods a year, from eight to twelve 

 each time ; their weight is about eight pounds each. 



The Java goose. The gander white, with head and half 

 the neck light fawn ; red tubercle at the root of the bill ; 

 larger than the common goose, and longer in the body ; walks 

 erect, standing as high as the Guinea goose, the female appear- 

 ing to carry two pouches, or egg-bags, under the belly ; very 

 prolific meat fine flavor. Imported by Mr. Colt. 



White Wild goose. All white, except about four of the 

 end quill-feathers these are black. Native of this country ; 

 hardy and good breeders ; weight about five pounds." 



There are other varieties of geese, but the description of 

 them must be reserved for another edition. 



