BRANT, OR BRENT GOOSE. 36l 



the waters of New Jersey until the severe weather of Decem- 

 ber urges them to seek out milder regions. On recommenc- 

 ing their journey, they assemble in one great flight, making 

 an extensive spiral sweep some miles in circuit, to reconnoi- 

 tre their route, when rising at length high in the air, they 

 steer to the ocean, and continue their course along the bays, 

 or even out at sea for several leagues, till they arrive again 

 at some new destination. 



The Brent feeds usually on the bars at low water, and 

 now and then also in the marshes ; their common fare is the 

 laver, (Ulvalactuca, and U. latissima,) and other tender 

 marine plants ; they now and then also eat small shell-fish. 

 In the spring the old birds are generally lean and ill 

 flavored, but in winter they are justly esteemed as a deli- 

 cacy, and sell at a high price. They never dive, but wade 

 about in quest of their food at the recess of the tide. At 

 the time of high water they swim out at their ease in the 

 bay, ranged in long lines, particularly during the contin- 

 uance of calm weather. 



The voice of the Brent is hoarse and honking:, and when 

 gabbling in company almost equals the yell of a pack of 

 hounds. When pursued or nearly approached, in a state 

 of confinement, they hiss like common Geese. They are 

 often quarrelsome, amongst each other, and with the Ducks 

 in their vicinity, driving the latter off* their feeding ground. 

 They never dive in quest of food, yet, when wing broken, 

 the Brent will go a hundred yards or more at a stretch 

 under the water ; and it is then very difficult to obtain. About 

 the middle of May they reappear on their way to the north ; 

 but at this time rarely stop long, unless driven in by stormy 

 weather. 



The navigator Barentz found multitudes sitting on their 

 eggs, about the 21st of June, 1595, in the great bay called 

 Wibe Janz Water ; and, to his amazement, discovered them 

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