282 SWIMMERS. 



one of their number usually as a sentinel to warn them of any 

 approaching danger. The young fly about the close of August, 

 and the whole depart southward about the middle of Septem- 

 ber. Early in November they arrive in the river Delaware, 

 and probably visit Newfoundland and the coasts of the Eastern 

 States in the interval, being occasionally seen in Massachusetts 

 Bay. They congregate in considerable flocks, are extremely 

 noisy and gabbling, their notes being shriller than those of the 

 Canada or Common Wild Goose. They make but a short stay 

 in the winter, proceeding farther south as the severity of the 

 weather increases. The Snow Geese already begin to return 

 towards the North by the middle of February, and until the 

 breaking up of the ice in March, are frequently seen in flocks 

 on the shores of the Delaware and around the head of the 

 bay. At this time they are observed to feed on the roots of 

 the reeds, tearing them up like hogs. In their breeding- 

 resorts in the fur countries they crop rushes and collect insects, 

 and in autumn principally berries for food, particularly those of 

 the crow-berry. At this time they are seldom seen on the 

 water, except in the night or when moulting. When well fed 

 the flesh is excellent, being far superior to the Canada Goose 

 in juiciness and flavor. It is said the young do not attain the 

 full plumage of the old birds before their fourth year, and until 

 that period they appear to keep in separate flocks. They are 

 numerous at Albany Fort, in the southern part of Hudson Bay, 

 where the old birds are rarely seen ; and, on the other hand, 

 the adult birds in their migrations visit York Factory in great 

 abundance, but are seldom accompanied by the young. They 

 make their appearance in these remote countries in spring, a 

 few days later than the Canada Goose, and pass in large flocks 

 both through the interior and along the coast. At this season 

 they were also seen by Mr. Say in the Territory of Missouri ; 

 many migrating north, probably up the great vaUey of the 

 Mississippi. 



The Snow Goose is also met with commonly on the western 

 side of America, as at Aoonalashka and Kamtschatka, as well 

 as in the estuary of the Oregon, where they were seen by Lewis 



