252 FEATHERED GAME 
sixty inches. Its habits are very nearly iden- 
tical with those of the better known Canada 
goose, flying in the characteristic V-shaped 
flocks and ranking about equal with that species 
in table qualities. 
This goose is represented in the Old World 
by a species so close to our own race that it is 
doubtful if even an expert could with certainty 
distinguish between them. Apparently the dif- 
ference is entirely one of size, our own species 
having a trifling advantage in this. 
THE CANADA GOOSE. 
(Branta canadensis.) 
What is the first harbinger of spring? 
Surely the long files of the geese threading their 
airy pathway are the surest signs that grim old 
winter has begun to relax his grip upon the 
earth. The boldest mayflower—the pluckiest 
grassblades are not yet reckless enough to push 
their tiny heads above the mud and ice which 
make up the desolation called early spring in 
New England. These merely listen to their 
herald’s trumpet note—then wisely turn over 
for another nap. But never a whit cares the 
