=Introduction.=--There are seven standard breeds of geese, as follows: Gray Toulouse, White Embden, Gray African, Brown Chinese, White Chinese, Gray Wild, and Colored Egyptian. GRAY TOULOUSE GEESE. =History.=--Gray Toulouse geese (fig. 29) are named for the city in France of that name, where they are extensively bred. In this country they are bred in large numbers by farmers and are fairly well thought of for market purposes. Their flesh is a trifle too coarse and flabby, when compared with some other geese, to be prized very highly for table purposes. They are termed a Christmas goose, as being later in maturing than the others they are just about right at the holiday time. They are fairly good layers, averaging about 40 eggs in a season. [Illustration: Fig. 29.--Pair of Gray Toulouse geese.] =Description.=--Toulouse geese are more compact in shape than other geese, and are preferred by many for this reason. The head is rather large and short, and they have a comparatively short bill that is stout at the base; the neck is carried well up and is of medium length. They have a broad back of moderate length, which curves slightly from the neck to the tail; their breasts are broad and deep. The body of the Toulouse goose is moderate in length, broad, and very deep and compact, the more compact the better; and in birds in good condition the belly almost touches the ground. Their wings are large, strong, and fold nicely against the sides, and they have comparatively short tails, and stout thighs and shanks. In color of plumage they are a dull gray, without penciling. The head is dark gray and the neck of the same color, which shades to a lighter gray as it approaches the back; the back is of dark gray, while the breast is light gray. The body plumage is light gray, which grows lighter and becomes white on the belly; the white extends back .to and around the tail, covering the fluffy parts. The primaries of the wings are dark gray or brown; the secondaries are a shade darker than the primaries and the coverts are dark gray. The tail feathers are gray and white, the ends tipped with white. Their eyes are dark brown or hazel in color; their bills, shanks, toes, and webs are of deep reddish-orange color. =Weight.=--The standard weight of the adult gander is 20 pounds; adult goose, 20 pounds; young gander, 18 pounds, and young goose, 15 pounds. WHITE EMBDEN GEESE. =History.=--White Embden geese (fig. 30) are considered very practical birds for farmers, and pay well for their keeping. They are nice looking, of large size, tall and erect carriage,, and snow-white plumage. They originally came from Embden, in Westphalia, and have been bred in this country for many years.