112 WILD GEESE. 



Tliere are some eight species of geese kno^vm to occur in North 

 China. Of these the bean goose [Anser sagetum) and its allies the thick- 

 billed goose {A. scrrirostris) and the long-billed goose (A. middendorfjx) 

 are the commonest. These three birds very closely resemble 

 each other. The first is the common goose most frequently 

 shot by sportsmen, and which occurs so plentifully in the 

 local markets in winter. The t'hick-billed goose may be dis- 

 tinguished by its greater size and its very much thicker bill, while the 

 long-billed goose is distinguishable by its much longer bill. In all three 

 the plumage is almost identical. The grey goose {A. ruhirostris) is 

 a still larger bird, with a greyer plumage. It may also be recognized 

 by its pinkish legs and beak, the legs of the other three species being 

 of a fine orange, and their beaks black with an orange band. 



Next come the white-fronted goose (^4. albifrons) and the little 

 white-fronted goose (A. erythropus), both small birds at once distinguish- 

 able by the white patch upon the forehead. These are rather rare in 

 North China, keeping more to the sea coast wihdle on their migrations. 



The swan goose (A. cygnoides) is another rather rare goose. This 

 is the ancestar of the Chinese domestic goose, and is remarkable for its 

 very long slender neck and fine markings. 



Finally the brent goose (A. nigricans), which occurs in Japan, must 

 be recorded as a straggler to the Chinese coast. It has been shot at 

 Wei-hai-wei and al-;o in Fuehow. This bird is easily distinguishable 

 from all the foregoing on account of its grey plumage, and black head 

 and neck, marked with white. 



The bean goose, so called from its habit of feeding entirely upon 

 grain, is a handsome bird weighing from four to seven pounds. It is 

 seen in North China during the spring and autumn, on its way to and 

 from the breeding grounds in the far northi. 



While migrating it follows the courses of the larger rivers and is then 

 much hmited by Chinese for the sake of its feathers. The method 

 employed is similar to that used with the bustard, but without the 

 decoys. A deep pit is dug close to the river, and in this the Chinese 

 hunter waits till a flock passes or settles within range, when he tries to 

 bring one down with his long barrelled gun. 



No doubt there are some Europeans with a sufficient stock of 

 patience to follow the example of the worthy Celestial, but such' sport 

 can appeal to few, whereas pursuing and stalking the goose on foot 

 or on horseback, combining as it does, healthful exercise with the enjoy- 



