118 



POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE, 



UPLAND GOOSE. 



spoiisa). Of all living clucks, the males of these two species 

 are the most gorgeously colored and plumed, and they are 

 also of elegant form. Although both species are much 

 sought after, the number of available specimens continues 

 to be limited to a comparatively small number. 



The Canvas-Back, {Aythya vallisneria), and the Red-Head, 

 [A. americaua) , two prime favorites with the sportsman and 

 epicure, are exhibited in the south end of the Duck Aviary. 

 Of the latter, a good-sized flock is shown. Canvas-Backs, 

 however, are difficult to capture unhurt, and still more 

 difficult to keep alive in captivity, and for these reasons the 

 number exhibited always is very small. 



The Geese.— The collection of wild geese in the Zoological 

 Park is unusually complete, there being generally about 

 fifteen out of the thirty-five known species. Among these 

 one of the best known is the Common Wild, or Canada 

 Goose, {Bmnta canadensis) . Once common throughout 

 many parts of the United States, continual persecution by 

 sportsmen and market hunters has so generally reduced its 

 numbers, that it is now of comparatively rare occurrence. 



