252 



PO UL TR T- CRAFT. 



382. African Geese. Rare in most sections, but some large flocks kept. 

 Weights same as for Toulouse. Color gray; upper surfaces dark gray, under 

 surfaces lighter ; neck light gray, with longitudinal dark stripe on back ; bill 

 black, with large knob at the base of the upper mandible ; prominent dew- 

 lap under the throat on exhibition birds, inconspicuous or absent in many 



Fig. 93. Embden Goose. 



specimens ; legs dark orange. Better layers than Embdens ; not as good as 

 Toulouse. Very difficult to dress, adult birds especially so. Having dark 

 pin-feathers and down and a dark skin, do not make as attractive a carcass as 

 the white breeds. 



383. Chinese Geese in shape resemble the African, and have also the 

 knob on the beak, but are smaller. Standard weights : adult gander, 14 Ibs. ; 

 young gander, 10 Ibs. ; adult goose, 12 Ibs. ; young goose, 8 Ibs. There are 

 two varieties : 



BROWN CHINESE GEESE resemble Africans in color as well as other 

 points mentioned. They are the most prolific of all varieties. The females 

 generally lay forty to fifty eggs each in a season, and the eggs are remarkably 

 fertile. It has been said that of all breeds they pluck hardest, and look worst 

 when dressed. 



