172 New Species of Anscr. 



bird, being somewhat lighter in the color of its plumage. From 



*his I infer they become darker by age. It is a little larger than 



*.he female, the bill being also stouter, measuring I in. high at the 



base. When on a shooting excursion some years since, at Egg 



Harbor, I noticed a bird flying at some distance from us, which 



our gunner said was a Black Brant. This was the first intimation 



I had of such a bird. Upon further inquiry of him, he informed 



me he had seen them occasionally, but they were not common. I 



bave learned from Mr. Philip Brasher, who has passed much time 



it that place, that speaking to the gunners about them, they said 



hey were well known there by the name of Black Brant, and one 



)f them mentioned that he once saw a flock of five or six together. 



From these facts it appears to be known to gunners, but has 



retofore escaped the notice of ornithologists. With all my in- 



juiries I have not been able to procure any before this winter. T 



think it a good and well-marked species. 



