WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE 59 
approached the edge of the tide the sentinels appeared 
to grow less anxious, and bending their necks towards the 
Ww ater, commenced to feed on the surface. 
This species is, with the exception perhaps of the 
Brent, the most abundant of the Wild Geese which visit 
Treland, and the one most frequently exposed for sale in 
poulterers’ shops. The Bean-Goose is more common in 
England. The White-fronted is easily tamed and thrives 
well in captivity. Illustrative of the affection which this bird 
may foster for other animals, I cite an incident con- 
cerning a White-fronted Goose, a cat and a retriever dog. 
The bird grew so fond of these animals that it was permitted 
to sleep and feed in the same outhouse. The case is remark- 
able as the dog had previously retrieved the bird, winged by 
a@ sportsman, from the water, and dragged it ashore, shaking 
it considerably before landing it at the gunner’s side. The 
bird must have been strong to have survived such treat- 
ment, however, it recovered and lived for several years. 
The White-fronted Goose has repeatedly bred in captivity 
and hybrids have been raised. The flesh, especially that of 
the young bird, is well flavoured if ine bird is in good 
condition. Some authorities think that this species has 
close ancestral affinities with our tame bird. 
Flight.—The flight resembles that of the Grey Lag. 
Voice.—The note is a harsh croak. 
Food.—This Goose ‘ grazes’ to a large extent in fields 
of short grass and clover, but other vegetable substances, 
including seaweeds, are also eaten. 
Nest.—The site of the nest and the materials used for its 
construction, do not differ to any extent from those of the 
last species. ‘The eggs, five to seven in number, are creamy- 
white. Incubation begins i in June. 
Geographical distribution.—This Goose nests in Northern 
Russia, Iceland and Arctic Siberia. It is plentiful on the 
lower Yenesei (Popham) and according to Middendorff, 
it is the most common Goose in the Taimyr district. On 
passage, in winter, it is widely distributed over the Conti- 
nents of Hurope and Asia, reaching India, Egypt and Nubia. 
DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERS. 
PLUMAGE. Adult male nuptial—Encircling the base 
of the beak is a broad white band; head, neck, back, wings 
and tail, brownish; breast and abdomen, brownish-white and 
