SNOW goose. 345 



of the Eastern States in the interval, being occasionally 

 seen in Massachusetts Bay. They congregate in con- 

 siderable flocks, are extremely noisy and gabbling, their 

 notes being shriller than those of the Canada or Common 

 Wild Goose. They make but a short stay in the winter, 

 proceeding farther south as the severity of the weather 

 increases. The Snow Geese already begin to return towards 

 the north by the middle of February, and until the breaking 

 up of the ice in March, are frequently seen in flocks on the 

 shores of the Delaware, and around the head of the Bay. 

 At this time they are observed to feed on the roots of the 

 reeds, tearing them up like hogs. In their breeding resorts 

 in the fur countries they crop rushes, and collect insects, 

 and in autumn principally berries for food, particularly those 

 of the Crow-Berry.* At this time they are seldom seen on 

 tlie water, except in the night, or when moulting. When 

 well fed its flesh is excellent, being far superior to the Can- 

 ada Goose in juiceiness and flavor. It is said the young do 

 not attain the full plumage of the old birds before theii* 

 fourth year, and until that period they appear to keep in 

 separate flocks. They are numerous at Albany Fort, in the 

 southern part of Hudson's Bay, where the old birds are 

 rarely seen ; and, on the other hand, the adult birds in their 

 migrations visit York Factory in great abundance, but are 

 seldom accompanied by the young. They make their 

 appearance in these remote countries in spring, a few days 

 later than the Canada Goose, and pass in large flocks both 

 through the interior and along the coast. At this season 

 they were also seen by Mr. Say in the territory of Missouri ; 

 many migrating north, probably up the great valley of the 

 Mississippi. 



The Snow Goose is also met with commonly on the 



* Empetrum nigrum. 



