Order ANSERES. 
Family ANATIDAL. 
GREY LAG-GOOSE. dAvnser cinereus (Meyer). 
Coloured Higures.— Gould, ‘Birds of Great Britain,’ vol. v, pl. 1; 
Dresser, ‘Birds of Europe,’ vol. vi, pl. 411; Lilford, 
‘Coloured Figures,’ vol. vu, pl. 20; Booth, ‘Rough Notes,’ 
vol. ii, pl. 1; Alpheraky, ‘ Geese of Europe and Asia,’ pl. 3. 
The Grey Lag is the largest of the ‘Grey’ Geese, 
which visit the British Isles. The numbers which arrive 
annually, as winter migrants, fluctuate considerably; but, 
on the whole, this Goose is not a numerous species. It is 
met with in Ireland and Scotland more frequently than in 
England and Wales. It-usually appears about October, 
and in some districts does not take its departure until the 
end of April or the beginning of May. The Grey Lag- 
Goose appears to be the ancestral stock from which our 
farm-yard bird has sprung; the latter not only approaches 
it nearly in size and build, but also in certain plumage 
markings which are often reproduced ; while the former is 
readily “tamed and will live in harmony with domestic 
geese. 
‘Gageles’ of Grey Lag-Geese may be seen marching 
along pasture-land, eagerly plucking the grass and clover. 
This habit, also strongly developed in our farm-yard bird, 
is not confined to the species under consideration ; in fact, 
geese, aS a race, are very fond of grass, and will ‘ graze,’ 
by preference, for a considerable time on the embankment 
of an ornamental lake, where, in a state of captivity, they 
are supplied amply with all sorts of good food. 
T have observed flocks of this species rise at dusk from 
the sea, where they were resting during the greater part of 
the day, and fly inland to feed on a marsh. 
