200 DUCKS, GEESE, AND SWANS 



it requires an effort to come in touch with representatives 

 of all the species of wild geese which inhabit it. While they 

 are somewhat lacking in the fine coloring that characterizes a 

 few foreign species, such as the spur-winged goose of Africa, 

 they form, as a whole, a highly interesting group, well worth 

 the acquaintance of all Americans save the market hunters, 

 and others who shoot not wisely but too well. 



Fortunately for those who live where wild geese dare not 

 show themselves for fear of being killed, all these species take 

 kindly to captivity, and are easily kept in parks and zoological 

 gardens. In 1914 five species were living quite contentedly 

 in the New York Zoological Park. 



In writing of geese, we would not think of mentioning 

 any species ahead of our old favorite and most faithful friend, 

 the Canada Goose. 1 Where is the country dweller who has 

 not heard, far aloft, the well-known trumpet 'Honk," and 

 the prompt answers all down the two lines as the V-shaped 

 flock winged swiftly forward? In the raw, windy days at 

 winter's end, from the Gulf to Hudson Bay, the old gander's 

 cry is accepted as a guarantee of spring, and hailed with joy. 

 Dull, indeed, is the mind that is not moved to wonder and 

 admiration by the remarkable V-formation in which the wild- 

 goose flock cleaves the air. 



Although wild geese in transit through the Mississippi 

 Valley frequently alighted in corn-fields to rest and feed, as a 

 rule they were so wary and wide-awake it was next to impos- 

 sible to bag one. In Minnesota and the Dakotas, however, 



1 Bran'ta canadensis. Average length, about 35 inches; but individuals vary 

 greatly in size. 



