WILD GEESE. 295 



his conduct, arising of course from his ignorance of 

 the danger of his position, amused me so much 

 that I did not molest him, but in charitable frame 

 of mind left him a portion of our spoils. 



Wild geese (Anas Canadensis) were passing all 

 the afternoon in large flocks from the north. These 

 birds, according to the season, are to be found from 

 about 30 degrees north latitude to the Arctic circle, 

 some authorities say even farther north. Very few 

 persons certainly none possessed of ordinary powers 

 of observation who have travelled in the sparsely- 

 populated portions of Canada or the United States, 

 can fail to recall occasions on which they have heard 

 the often -repeated notes of 'honk! honk! honk!' 

 emanating from flocks of wild geese making their 

 aerial passage to unknown parts. Not so large as 

 our domestic bird, wild geese are much handsomer 

 in form, and more attractive in plumage. When 

 walking they bear themselves as if conscious of the 

 value of liberty, and appear to take good care not to 

 place themselves within reach of those who may de- 

 prive them of it. Nevertheless they do not always 

 escape. When from prolonged severe weather, the 

 poor birds are deprived of food, they become so reck- 

 less of consequences that, in their longing to gratify 

 their craving appetites, they stoop to decoys, or alter 

 their course in answer to the skilfully-uttered call of 

 the sportsman. So abundant are they said to be 

 in parts of North America, that if the writer were 

 to repeat the stories he has heard of the slaughters 



