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KAISING GEESE. 



The breeding of geese can be carried on profitably, as they feed mainly 

 on pasture. It is, however, advisable to give the old birds a little soaked 

 grain at night in order to induce them to come home. 



There are a number of varieties of geese, but the most desirable to 

 keep are the Toulouse and the Emden. The Emden, being a pure- 

 white colour, presents a much more attractive appearance when dressed 

 for the table than the dark-plumaged birds, owing to the objectionable 

 dark pin-feathers in the latter. 



The average number of eggs laid is about thirty a year. The num- 

 ber of geese with one gander should be two or three. The best time to 

 mate them is in their second year, and they should be dispensed with when 

 they are ten years old. 



It is better to use large hens, not geese, to incubate the eggs, giving 

 each hen from four to six eggs. The length of time required to hatch 

 is twenty-nine to thirty days. Sprinkle the eggs occasionally with warm 

 water. When the birds are hatched, feed them in the morning as already 

 described for ducklings. Keep the young birds away from the pond or 

 stream until they are nearly feathered, but always have clean water 

 before them to drink. 



