58 
FRANK FORESTER’S FIELD SPORTS. 
“ Specific Character .—Length of bill from the corner of the 
mouth to the end two inches and three-sixteenths; length of 
tarsi two inches and seven-eighths ; length from the point of the 
bill to the end of tail about forty inches; wing eighteen ; the 
head and greater portion of the neck black; cheeks and throat 
white. Adult with the head, greater part of the neck, prima¬ 
ries, rump and tail black; back and wings brown, margined 
with paler-brown ; lower part of the neck and under plumage 
whitish-gray; flanks darker-gray; cheeks and throat white, as 
are the upper and under tail coverts. The plumage of the 
female rather duller. 
“Late in autumn, especially when the wind is from the north¬ 
east, the Canada Geese are seen in our section of country, 
sailing high in the air, making their accustomed tour at that 
season. Impelled by nature, they quit their northern abode, 
and hazard an escape from the artifices of man, sooner than per¬ 
ish amid the icy barrens of the frozen regions. When migrating, 
many flocks unite and form a vast column, each band having its 
chosen leader. They generally continue flying during the 
night, but occasionally alight and await the day. Before doing 
so, however, their experienced pioneers survey the space below, 
and select a place favorable for food and safety. Sentinels are 
then appointed from among the ganders to sound the alarm 
should an enemy appear. I have seen them adopt the same 
precaution when sanding in large flocks by day. Those sepa¬ 
rate from the main body would move about with heads erect, 
ready to catch the first sign of intrusion ; ‘ after strutting their 
hour’ they would return to the main body, their places being im¬ 
mediately supplied by others. I have often been disappointed by 
such a movement, supposing it to be a signal for flight, looked 
well to my gun, but after waiting a few moments in suspense, 
discovered it to be merely a change of guard. 
“ The hoarse honking of the gander is so familiar to the inha- 
oitants of our country, that it is impossible for them to arrive 
among us without making their visit known. All welcome their 
return; the once keen eye of the aged gunner again sparkles 
