CINCINNATI ZOO GUIDE 
The Center Lake 
The Mute Swan ( Cygnus olor ) from Europe. 
Geese. Like all water fowl, geese are web-footed, and the legs 
are set far back, enabling them to better indulge their swimming 
propensities. This fact, however, makes it more difficult for 
them to walk; in fact, their movements on the ground are an 
unmistakable and unsteady wabble. They don’t seem to possess 
much intelligence, and from this fact originates the expression 
“you are a goose,” as applied to some person who has done 
something foolish. Wild geese, the Canada Goose ( Barnicla 
canadensis ), the Chinese Goose ( Anser cygnoides ), and the 
Common Brant ( Bernicla brentq) are among the collection. 
Ducks. These birds have'short legs; the hind toe is separate, 
and a soft, sensitive skin covers the bill. They have thick 
plumage, and keep it well oiled, so they can dive without 
getting wet. The upper feathers are so close and thick on their 
back as to make them almost waterproof. The water runs off 
their backs without penetrating to the skin. Among the ducks 
at the lake are the Muscovy Duck (C. moschata) of North 
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