328 THE BEGINNER IN POULTRY 



that, by stimulation, tlie eggs are passed through the 

 "egg machine" too rapidly to attain perfection. I use 

 some meat, but with great care. 



Goose farming is practiced far more in European 

 countries than here. From the methods of one of these 

 farms abroad I learn that the goslings are fed for a 

 week, three times a day, on equal parts of oatmeal and 

 barley meal moistened with milk. For the ensuing three 

 weeks they receive the same mixture twice a day, after 

 which they are pastured on fields eaten close by cattle 

 earlier in the season so that the new grass will be short 

 and tender. With this, they are fed only oats at night. 



The White Chinese and the Embdens are the beauty 

 breeds among geese. To some, possibly the odd 

 Sebastopols would appeal as beautiful. The popular 

 sorts, however, are the large ones, the Embden and 

 Toulouse breeds, to which the White Chinese may soon 

 become a close third, as interest in it seems to be grow- 

 ing apace. Its peculiar swanlike neck and the odd 

 knob on its head give it distinctiveness, if not distinction, 

 and white birds are always prime favorites, especially as 

 decorations. White feathers will sell for a higher price 

 than those which have color. 



A pair of geese is the unit of breeding. Once one 

 has learned how to handle a pair he has all the skill 

 needed for goose breeding. Speaking in general, he 

 may then branch out into the Fancy, or into goose 

 farming ; or he may just " raise geese " — a few for his 

 own pleasure or for the decoration of the home place — 

 or even for the fluffy feathers on which his wife dotes. 



It is comparatively easy to work up a trade in goose 

 eggs, as there are few in the business. A start with 



