THE CANADA GOOSE. 181 



rages. Were the weapons more deadly, feats of chivalry would now be 

 performed; as it is, thrust and blow succeed each other like the strokes of 

 hammers driven by sturdy forgers. But now, the mated gander has caught 

 hold of his antagonist's head with his bill; no bull-dog could cling faster to 

 his victim; he squeezes him with all the energy of rage, lashes him with his 

 powerful wings, and at length drives him away, spreads out his pinions, runs 

 with joy to his mate, and fills the air with cries of exultation. 



But now, see yonder, not a couple, but half a dozen of ganders are engaged 

 in battle! Some desperado, it seems, has fallen upon a mated bird, and 

 several bystanders, as if sensible of the impropriety of such conduct, rush 

 to the assistance of the wronged one. How they strive and tug, biting, and 

 striking with their wings! and how their feathers fly about! Exhausted, 

 abashed, and mortified, the presumptuous intruder retreats in disgrace; — 

 there he lies, almost breathless, on the sand ! 



Such are the conflicts of these ardent lovers, and so full of courage and of 

 affection towards their females are they, that the approach of a male in- 

 variably ruffles their tempers as well as their feathers. No sooner has the 

 goose laid her first egg, than her bold mate stands almost erect by her side, 

 watching even the rustling sound of the breeze. The least noise brings 

 from him a sound of anger. Should he spy a racoon making its way among 

 the grass, he walks up to him undauntedly, hurls a vigorous blow at him, 

 and drives him instantly away. Nay, I doubt if man himself, unarmed, 

 would come off unscathed in such an encounter. The brave gander does 

 more; for, if imminent danger excite him, he urges his mate to fly off, and 

 resolutely remains near the nest until he is assured of her safety, when he 

 also betakes himself to flight, mocking as it were by his notes his disappoint- 

 ed enemy. 



Suppose all to be peace and quiet around the fond pair, and the female to 

 be sitting in security upon her eggs. The nest is placed near the bank of a 

 noble stream or lake; the clear sky is spread over the scene, the bright 

 beams glitter on the waters, and a thousand odorous flowers give beauty to 

 the swamp which of late was so dismal. The gander passes to and fro over 

 the liquid element, moving as if lord of the waters; now he inclines his 

 head with a graceful curve, now sips to quench his thirst; and, as noontide 

 has arrived, he paddles his way towards the shore, to relieve for awhile his 

 affectionate and patient consort. The lisping sounds of their offspring are 

 heard through the shell; their little bills have formed a breach in the inclos- 

 ing walls; full of life, and bedecked with beauty, they come forth, with 

 tottering steps and downy covering. Toward the water they now follow 

 their careful parent, they reach the border of the stream, their mother 

 already floats on the loved element, one after another launches forth, and 



