GEESE. 121 



ing geese too generously in the winter and start them 

 to laying early. Goslings and green grass should 

 appear about the same time. But conditions being 

 right, the earlier goslings hatch the better. About 

 the first of February in the Middle States the forcing 

 may begin, the breeders being fed in a manner 

 similar to that recommended for breeding ducks. 

 During the winter cut hay, ensilage and a little corn 

 with refuse vegetables will sustain them, but now 

 they should have nitrogenous food, like bran, shorts 

 and meat scraps fed with cooked vegetables. 



The goose will lay two litters of twelve to fifteen 

 eggs each. If well fed this number may be increased. 

 The China goose is said to sometimes lay from fifty 

 to sixty in a season. To get the eggs all hatched as 

 soon as possible the first laid may be hatched under 

 hens, allowing each hen to incubate from five to 

 seven eggs. When the goose has finished her first 

 laying and becomes broody she may be confined for a 

 few days and be well fed. When her brooding fever 

 is over she will lay again and may be permitted to 

 hatch and take care of the second litter. 



The period of incubation is the same as that of 

 ducks, twenty-eight to thirty days. 



Goslings are hardy, but should, like ducklings, be 

 kept in a pen for two or three weeks and allowed 

 only water enough to drink. Since goslings are 

 regarded as a great delicacy by snapping turtles, 

 minks and other varmints, it is well to keep them 

 from infested ponds and guarded at night in sheds 

 enclosed with netting. The later hatches, left to run 

 with the mother-goose, will require less attention and 



