WATER-FOWL 137 



nearly support themselves by eating grass. The same grain 

 supplied for ducks will satisfy geese, and a good supply of 

 green food during the winter months is a necessity. 



Most of the species are very hardy and require no pro- 

 tection during the winter. Although living for years in 

 captivity, and keeping always in the best of condition, few 

 species, with the exception of the Canada Goose, breed well. 



Geese are quite safe in mixed collections, unless inclined 

 to pair in the spring, when they may become dangerous to 

 their smaller neighbors. 



The Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) is the American 

 species most commonly seen in collections. It is one of the 

 few geese which breed well in captivity, and there is no 

 reason why it should not eventually become thoroughly 

 domesticated. It is much in vogue among propagators, 

 and large numbers are reared annually for stocking pur- 

 poses. 



Like all wild geese, the Canada is strictly monogamous, 

 pairs remaining mated for many years. Nesting takes place 

 late in March or in April, according to weather conditions. 

 Three to seven eggs are laid, incubation lasting twenty- 

 eight to thirty days. The young are dirty yellowish when 

 hatched. If grazing is available, no food for the young 

 birds is necessary, as grass is all that is required for their 

 sustenance. Unlike ducks, geese are the best of parents, and 

 care for the young with the greatest solicitude. When 

 conditions are at all favorable, young Canada Geese, if 

 allowed to remain full-winged, will seldom permanently 

 leave their home. 



Canada Geese are exceedingly quarrelsome during the 

 mating season. Pairs not only will refuse to allow others 

 to nest in their vicinity, but are most vindictive in the 

 destruction of the nests and sometimes also the nests of 

 birds of other species. This pugnacity may take curious 



