642 EGYPTIAN FOX-GOOSE. 



Habits. — The claims of this species to be admitted as a 

 British bird are somewhat similar to those of the Pheasant. 

 Its proper country is Africa, over the whole extent of which 

 it is said to occur, as well as occasionally in the south-eastern 

 parts of Europe. But, having been introduced into this 

 country on account of its beauty, it thrives remarkably well 

 in a semi-domesticated state, and being always apt to stray, 

 individuals have withdrawn themselves from the protection of 

 man, and in some parts are said to have become completely 

 Avild, and to breed as in their original country. Specimens 

 are thus often obtained at great distances from any place where 

 they are fostered. Even large flocks are met with, which it 

 would be difficult to show to be even naturalized. Thus, in 

 1832, I was permitted by Captain Sharp, of the Hoyal Navy, 

 to take a drawing and description from one which was shot on 

 the 3d November, by Mr John Hay, on the banks of the river 

 Tyne, near Tyningham, the seat of Lord Haddington, in East 

 Lothian. The flock consisted of nineteen, flying in a line 

 from the sea to the southward, in stormy weather. The one 

 killed was the leader, and the largest of the string. On 

 being shot at they turned and flew to sea. It would be 

 useless to indicate particular instances of its occurrence in 

 England, where it is more common in the semi-domesticated 

 state than in Scotland. It has also " occasionally been shot 

 on the coast of Ireland." 



