234 The Water-fowl Family 



The little goslings at once accompany the old 

 birds to the water and quickly become expert in 

 diving and hiding. In July the parents moult, and 

 are for a time unable to fly. While in this help- 

 less state they are eagerly hunted by natives. 

 The mortality at this time might account for the 

 fact that we seldom see more than three young 

 birds in one family. Early in September they re- 

 assemble on the larger bodies of water and await 

 a favorable time for departure. Restless at the 

 thought of the long flight, with the first fair wind 

 the procession starts. Small flocks lead the way, 

 and soon the entire multitude has gone. Shortly 

 we hear them within our boundaries. By the 

 middle of October they are well established for 

 the fall, and no visitor is more welcome. Their 

 honking tells of frosts and cold nights. The ad- 

 vance guards appear in Dakota, Minnesota, and 

 Montana, and along the coasts at about the same 

 time. Successive relays augment the first comers, 

 and by early November they congregate in vast 

 flocks. As they assemble on their favorite feed- 

 ing-grounds, the host presents an impressive 

 sight. The ground selected is well protected 

 from any attack, no foe can approach unnoticed 

 and unchallenged. Ever on the alert and wary, 

 the flock is guarded by sentinels tried in the 

 service, who know well the arts of man. While 

 undisturbed they indulge in more or less gabble 



