ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF POULTRY CULTURE 



55 



notably in Rhode Island and parts of southeastern Massachusetts, 

 the growing of " green " geese, to be marketed at about twelve 

 weeks of age, is extensively carried on, almost every farm in a 

 community growing geese, and the number of goslings grown 

 on a farm sometimes reaching four or five hundred, though the 

 average is perhaps less than half as many. 



The colony egg-farming district of Rhode Island is perhaps 

 the most important goose-growing district in the United States. 

 Goslings are usually hatched by hens (few men have succeeded 



FIG. 60. Flock of breeding geese in a Rhode Island pasture 

 (Photograph from Isaac Wilbour) 



in hatching the eggs by artificial means), and the large stocks of 

 laying hens kept here and the considerable areas of pasture land 

 available for the goslings make the conditions especially favorable 

 for goose growing on a larger scale than is usual. It is probable 

 that this branch of the industry could be much more extensively 

 developed in many localities than it is, for the demand is increas- 

 ing, and good geese bring high prices not only at the holiday 

 season but, in more limited quantities, at other seasons. 



Goose fattening as a special line is carried on by some men in 

 goose-growing districts, and also by some near the large eastern 



