616 ANSER CANADENSIS. 



its breadth is six-twelfths ; presently after it enlarges to 

 eight-twelfths, then contracts to six-twelfths, and so continues 

 until it begins to form the loop, on which its breadth is again 

 eight-twelfths ; after this it gradually tapers, so as to be only 

 two-and-a-half-twelfths wide at the inferior larynx, where its 

 depth, however, is five-twelfths. The form of that part is 

 much the same as in the Swans, there being a similar ele- 

 vated, bony, curved edge on each side, projecting beyond the 

 commencement of the membrane of the bronchus, which is 

 half an inch in length before the first ring appears. These 

 membranes form a pretty large sac of triangular form ; and 

 the continuation of the bronchus is extremely diminutive, 

 with only ten very small and slender cartilaginous half-rings. 

 The lateral muscles are large ; their anterior part gives off the 

 sterno-tracheal at the distance of 2% inches from the inferior 

 larynx ; but the posterior part, which is much larger, runs 

 down one inch farther, and then terminates in a pointed form, 

 not extending so far as to constitute an inferior laryngeal 

 muscle. The rings of the trachea are broad, very firm, con- 

 siderably flattened, 220 in number." 



Length to end of tail 42 inches ; extent of wings 64 ; bill 

 2|- ; tarsus 3-fj ; middle toe and claw 4^-. 



Female. — The female is considerably smaller, but resem- 

 bles the male in colouring. 



Habits. — This species is represented by those who have 

 had opportunities of seeing it in the wild state, in its native 

 country, as occurring in great numbers, during the breeding 

 season, in the northern states of North America, and especi- 

 ally in Labrador, and other desert tracts. In autumn they 

 migrate southward, and disperse in flocks all over the middle 

 and southern states. Their habits, however, present nothing 

 very remarkable, but are similar to those of other Geese, their 

 migrations being performed in lines varying in form, their 

 food consisting of grass, corn, and other herbage, and their 

 nests bulky, and placed among rank grass or sedges, or under 

 a bush. It is, however, a bird of considerable importance to 

 the inhabitants of Arctic America. Its arrival in the fur 



