NATIONAL 



CITY, 



CALIFORNIA 



21 



"WINGOLD* 



Toulouse Goose Raising 



Geese are raised successfully in all parts of the United States. The 

 Toulouse goose derives its name from the city of Toulouse, in southern 

 France, in a territory noted for its geese. The Toulouse is the largest of 

 the standard breeds of geese; the adult gander weighs 26 pounds, the adult 

 goose and the young gander 20 pounds, and the young goose 16 pounds. 

 The color of the plumage is dark gray on the back, gradually shading to 

 light gray edged with white on the breast, and to white on the abdomen. 

 The eye should be dark brown or hazel; the bill pale orange, and the 

 shanks and toes a deep reddish orange. The body is massive, of medium 

 length, broad and very deep, almost touching the ground. The female re- 

 sembles the male, but is smaller. The Toulouse is a good layer, produc- 

 ing from twenty to thirty-five eggs a year; is docile, grows rapidly, and 

 makes a good market bird. 



SELECTING AND MATING 



Geese, like other kinds of poultry, should be selected for size, pro- 

 lificacy, and vitality. They should be mated several months prior to the 

 breeding season to obtain the best results; therefore, breeding stock should 

 be bought in the fall. Goose matings are not changed from year to year 

 unless the results are unsatisfactory. Sex is difficult to distinguish in 

 geese, especially when they are young. The gander is usually somewhat 

 larger and coarser than the goose and has a shrill cry, while the female 

 has a coarse cry. The male has a heavier, longer neck, and a larger head. 



