THE CANADA GOOSE. 235 



and which is called by the hunters goose-flag. 

 When feeding, an old gander is usually placed 

 on guard, who warns them by an expressive- 

 honk of any threatening danger. They never 

 dive for food, but feed when on the water like 

 the shoal-water ducks, by immersing the head 

 and neck. 



On the bars or flats of the Mississippi, where 

 they often resort in great numbers for sand to 

 aid in digesting their food, boxes are sunk near 

 the edge of the water, in which the hunter lies 

 in wait for them. He seldom fires, however, 

 unless they are over the land, as when they fall 

 into the water the swift current carries them so 

 far that the loss of much time and labor is oc- 

 casioned in recovering them. They are so heavy 

 to carry, and bring so poor a price — usually 

 about seventy-five cents each — besides being very 

 wary, thus making a decent remuneration for 

 pursuing them rather uncertain, that the market- 

 hunter seldom makes it an especial business, 

 unless at a time when ducks are scarce. For 

 the benefit of the novice I will describe some 

 of the methods employed in their capture, with 

 a few rules and hints.. 



One of the best plans with those who under- 



