The Litchfield County post., 1827-12-13
From the Dumfries (ScOttapdJ Courier.
ECCENTRIC GANDER.


can vouch for. is not only curious in itself,
hut evinces pretty forcibly, that whimsically
and eccentricity are not confined TO the hu-
man species. Mr.. Whighafn of Allanton, has
a very large gander, which was hatched five
or six wears since. and which had scarcely at
tanned the months of maturity. when he con-
tracted dislike for his.Own species.-Wh
or this arose from disappointed love, or dis
position naturally goose-anthroP'cG', might
puzzle the deepest naturalist to determine.
In 1928, there were two pretty bay colts
grazing in field adjoining to Attention, aud to
these he in time attached himself so cordial
", that he became their companion night and
day. From this or some other circumstance,
he retains strong partiaiity to bays Or browns,
and will not associate with black horse.
The colts alluded to were succeeded by 9th
ers; and the gander though he seemed sensl
bile of and sorry for the change, speedily i'll
gratiated himself with his new friends. These
he attends in the paddock during the day, fol
lows them home at night, and when the wealth
or is cold. and if accidentally shut out of the
stable, patiently bivouacks behind the door,
and is always ready to clap his wing and go
10 the field early in the morning. When in
park, his sole occupation seems to be to
stand near the head of one Of the colts care
fully watching all his motions, and acc ,mmo-
dating his position to that of his friends. by
waddns when he walks and flying when he
runs. Young horses whena disturbed, very
easily break into gallop, and as the gander
manages to keep SO near the colt, that he
may be seen'fying vigorously along by the
side of him, it is certainly strange that it new
err occurred to him to take a ride. 1t the
mouth Of theyothersw he collecting proven
der should come too near his feet, he stretch
es forth his reck, elevates his wings Kisses
gently, and by other motions admonshes him
10 keep proper distance. Though geese
grace as we'll as kline, the bird in question is
rarely seen nbbling pile of grass, and its
chief dependence, we believe, is placed on the
strayed pickles of corn in the stable
On one occasion, the young horses at AL
lanton, were removed to field at some dis
lance, and then the poors gander had to dree
very dreary period of widowhood. If he
could have spoken or sung, his dtty would
have been, i wander dowie a my lane : but
when the'colts returned-that is, the bay ones
he was seen hurrying totmeet them. half
running, half flying, and cackling forth his
congratulations. to the very tOpm0st note of
red to be at Allanton, and. as a matter of
course, visited the biped of whose eccentric
habits we had heard so much. A new scene
then presented itself. In the course Of the
day. score or two Of capital highland bui-
locks had been let into the field and these the
gander seemed to look on with very jaundi-
ced eye. By mere accident one of them APP
preached too near the favOrite co't--an intru-
sion which was resented by fierce and rath-
er laughable onset. The bill Of the bird was
darted at the head of the enemy. and the lat
ter though furnished with a noble pair of
horns, started back as if an adder, had stung
him. Again, however, he advanced to the
charge, was again assaulted, and again retreat
cd: until his brethren perceived what was
going forward, Joined in the melee, and very
nearly he AIMED the gander in. Our first i'm
preston was that the gander would be tossed
and gored until not pinion stuck together; but
in this we were mistaken. Each of the bul-
locks was assailed in turn, to its no small a
mazement, if not dismay; but the assailant,
mauSfe his great courage, appeared to be pla-
) ced in a sad quandrary, and did all he could
TO rescue the colt from such unsuitable com
pany, by biting his heels and nibbling at his
head. The docile animal at length goodna-
turedly yielded to his wishes, and the horn
ed bcligerents. on their part. ratified the ar
nistice by giving no further molestation,
Tn the g Marrowo of Compliment" London.
1654.l we meet with a song in praise of to-
bacco, which contains as much, perhaps, as
can be said in its defence -
Much meat doth gluttonny procure.
To feed men fat as swine:
But he's frugal man indeed.
That with leaf can dine.
He needs no napkin for his hands,
His fingers end to wipe,
That hath his kitchen in box,
His roast meat in pipe.
Not so brd.-A traveller. being at a Coffee
house with some gentlemen,w was largely draw
ing upon the creduhty of the company.
''sWhere did you say all these wonders hap
pened sir!'' asked gentleman present. II
can't exactly say" replied the traveller.
shut some where in Europe-Russia think"
~ Should rather think H-G-iy," returned his
opponent.
A ehnaYnal fur I'M. nurpoSp of arlincino