NATURAL HISTORY. xli 



This well-known winter inhabitant of the lochs and friths of the Scottish coast, is 

 found during tlie summer months in the highest northern latitude that has yet been 

 reached, but in no great numbers. It did not remain in the neighbourhood of Felix 

 Harbour to breed, but several large flocks were seen on their way to the northward, 

 of which only a few were shot. We found them in greater numbers near Fury Point, 

 and along the low line of coast to the southward, which, abounding with extensive 

 fresh-water lakes, is probably one of their breeding stations. 



35.— ANSER HUTCHINSII {The Less Canada Goose). 



ANSER HUTCHINSII.— K(V/i ; Faim. Bor. Amer.—vo\. ii., p. 470. 

 ANAS BERNICLA, l3.—RU-li: App. to Parry's 2d r.)j/««:e— p. 368. 



These birds arrived in flocks about the middle of .June, in the neighbourhood of Felix 

 Harbour, and soon after dispersed in pairs to their breeding places. At Igloolik, the 

 only place where we had before met with them, their nests were found in the marshes 

 near the sea ; but on this occasion several pairs constructed their nests on a ledge of rock 

 near the foot of a high precipice ; immediately above them the dovekies, looms, several 

 species of gulls, and near its summit the jerfalcon and raven built their nests. 



From tlnee to four eggs were found in each nest, of a pure white, and of an 

 oval form, measuring 3.1 inches by 2.1, and weighing from 1800 to 2000 grains. 



The female bird is smaller than the male ; to the measurements given by Dr. 

 Richardson, which are very accurate, we may add that its extent of wing is fifty-two 

 jjiches, and that it averages about four pounds and a half in weight. 



Its flesh is of a most exquisite flavour. 



