TIIK BRENT GOO^F. 575 



These birds never dive, but wade about, feeding at low water. During the time of 

 high water, they float in long lines, particularly in calm weather. Their voice is hoarse, 

 and when some hundreds are screaming together, they recall the noise of a pack of 

 hounds in full cry. Though the Brent never dives in search of food, yet when wing- 

 broken, it will go a hundred yards at a stretch under water, and is considered, in sueli 

 circumstances, one of the most difheult birds to kill. 



The Brent goose generally weighs about four pounds avoirdupois ; it measures two feet 

 in length, and three feet si.x. inches in extent. The only material difference observable 

 between the i^lumage of the male and female, is, that in the latter the white spot on the 

 neck is less, and more mottled with duskv. 



