238 TURKEYS, ORNAMENTAL POULTRY, AND WATER-FOWL. 



necessary, as the Duck is very careless about laying, and if 

 left at liberty will often drop her eggs in the water whilst 

 swimming. 



GEESE. *' Of the two principal breeds of geese," Mr. 

 Fowler writes, " I very much prefer the Grey or Toulouse to 

 the White or Embden, being larger and handsomer. I have 

 had a Toulouse gander which weighed thirty- four pounds, a 

 weight never, I am sure, attained by the White breed. They 

 are also better shaped, as a rule, and every way the more 

 profitable variety. The forehead should be flat, and the bill 

 a clear orange red. The plumage is a rich brown, passing into 

 white on the under parts and tail coverts. 



" The Embden Goose is pure white in every feather, and 

 the eye should show a peculiar blue colour in the iris in all 

 well-bred birds." 



We should recommend for market to cross the Toulouse 

 Goose with the White, by which greater weight is gained than 

 in either variety pure-bred ; but much will depend upon 

 circumstances. White or cross-bred geese require a pond, but 

 the Toulouse, with a good grass-run, will do well with only a 

 trough of water, and will require no extra feeding, except for 

 fattening or exhibition. 



The only foreign varieties requiring mention are the Chinese 

 and the Canada geese, both of which appear to be really mid- 

 way between the geese proper and the swans, which they 

 resemble in length of neck. 



The Chinese Goose is of a general brown colour, passing 

 into light grey or white on the breast, with a dark brown 

 stripe down the back of the neck. They have much of the 

 beauty of the swan, which they also resemble. in having a dark 

 protuberance round the base of the upper mandible. The voice 

 is very harsh and peculiar. This breed is not a good grazer, 

 and is best reared in the farmyard. 



The Canada Goose also is not a good grazer, and does best 



