Читать книгу Friends in Feathers and Fur, and Other Neighbors: For Young Folks - James Johonnot - Страница 21

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1. The goose and the duck are much alike in looks and ways. The legs of the goose are longer, so that it stands higher and can walk better on land.

2. The goose is larger than the duck, its neck longer, and its wings broader. Its feet are webbed, so that it can swim well in the water.

3. Its bill is broad and more pointed than that of a duck. Its wings are very strong, and it is able to fly a great distance without rest.

4. When in the water it does not dive like the duck, but it thrusts its bill down into the water or mud the length of its long neck.

5. The feathers of the goose are white or gray, and very light and soft, and are used for making beds and pillows. Not a great while ago pens were made of the quills that come out of the wings of the goose, and everybody who wrote used them.

6. Geese make their nests on the ground, where the old mother goose lays about a dozen eggs before she begins to sit. These eggs are twice the size of hens' eggs.

7. The goslings are covered with a thick coat of down, and are able to run on the land or swim in the water when they first come out of the shell.

8. The goose and the gander together take good care of their goslings. When anything comes near, they stretch out their necks and give a loud hiss.

9. Should a strange dog venture too near, they will take hold of him with their bills and beat him with their wings until he is glad to get away.