BIRDS OF NOVA SCOTIA—DOWNS. bi 
72. Branta bernicla (4im.) (173). Brayv. 
A few are obtained every winter. In Prince Edward Island it 
is very common. Its favourite food is the eel grass which grows 
in great abundance along the shores. Its flesh is highly esteemed 
by epicures, and Sir Gaspard LeMarchant, formerly Governor of 
the Province, used to consider it, of all geese, the best for the 
table. 
Subfamily CyGNIn&z. Swans. 
Genus OLOR Wagler. 
"3. Olor columbianus (Ord.) (180). Wuuistrina Swan. 
There are only one or two instances of this species being taken 
in Nova Scotia. Liverpool was the locality for one of these 
captures. 
OrpDER HERODIONES. Herons, STORKS, IBISES, ETC. 
Suborder IsmpEs. Spoonbills and Ibises. 
Famity IBIDIDA.  IBIsEs. 
Genus PLEGADIS Kaup. 
74, Plegadis autumnalis (/assely.) (186). Grossy Isrts. 
A flock ran the gauntlet along the shore from New England 
to Country Harbor, N.S. Their number had been considerably 
diminished by the time they arrived within our limits. 
Suborder Heropu. Herons, Egrets, Bitterns, ete. 
FamIty ARDEID. Herons, BITTERNS, ETC. 
Subfamily BoTaurin#&. — Bitterns. 
Genus Boraurus Hermann. 
Subgenus Botaurus. 
75. Botaurus lentiginosus (Montay.) (190). Amurican Brr- 
TERN. 
Very common, during summer, in our marshes. It breeds in 
the Province, making its nest on dry hilly ground at some dis- 
tance from the water. 
Subfamily ARDEIN”%. Herons and Egrets. 
Genus ARDEA Linn. 
Subgenus ARDEA. 
76. Ardea herodias Zinn. (194). Grear Brun Heron. 
Common. Breeds in great quantities at Mount Uniacke, on 
