384 FARM ANIMALS 
breeds will seldom give more than 30 a year, but for the 
tasty meat any of the breeds will provide. 
9. Characteristics of geese.—It is believed that to have 
eggs well fertilized the geese must live near a pond or 
running water. A gan- 
der over two years of age 
is preferred in breeding. 
Hens are best for hatch- 
ing these eggs. Mature 
geese are strong phys- 
ically and usually mani- 
fest a combative nature. 
DEFENDING! THE. Nest The improved races are 
At brooding ns eee Sr ercenslly hostile of large size and may be 
kept at no great expense. 
They will thrive on grass alone during the growing sea- 
son. In some parts of Europe vast numbers of geese are 
raised for the city markets. The goose girl goes to the 
fields every morning with 
her flock, returning at 
night to her home where 
her charges are stabled. 
10. Toulouse geese.— 
The giant of all the goose 
races is the Toulouse, a 
native of France. Its or- 
dinary weight is from 15 
to 20 pounds, but many 
specimens have been : 
known to reach weights TOULOUSE GEESE 
from 25 to 30 pounds or 
more. Where range is not ideal, these are probaby the 
best geese for the farm. It is thought to do better with- 
out a swimming area than other breeds. In general ap- 
