BEAN-GOOSE 61 
natural haunts and its sombre brownish-grey plumage 
renders it inconspicuous, when standing on dark marshy 
eround, meadow-pasture, or corn- -fields. It can be most 
easily approached when feeding in company with other 
species of Geese. Although extremely shy in its wild state, 
the Bean-Goose is easily “tamed and’ often displays great 
affection for domestic animals and inmates of the farmya yard. 
The Bean-Goose resorts chiefly to situations away from 
the tide, but its movements are much influenced by 
the weather. It is not a hardy bird, and cases are on 
record of its capture in a semi-starved condition during or 
after continued hard frosts. In some localities, large flocks 
resort at night to tidal waters on which they rest until 
Pe ohd. 
Food.—This species, though mainly herbivorous, is never- 
theless destructive to crops of erain, such as wheat and 
oats, acres of which a flock will devastate in a short space 
of time. ‘The Bean-Goose, like its congeners, is an expert 
‘srazer, cutting the grass with its sharp beak as neatly as 
if done by a machine. A male sentinel bird is said to guard 
the flock when feeding, and, until relieved of his duties by 
another, he does not lower his head to feed. It has been 
stated that when the sentinel wishes to feed he pecks 
vigorously at another member of the flock, who seems to 
understand, from this gentle reminder, that his turn has 
come to protect the rest. The flesh of this bird is well 
flavoured and compares favourably with that of other Geese. 
Voice—The voice of this Goose is loud and hoarse, 
being not unlike that of the preceding species. 
Flight.—1t is difficult to distinguish this bird on the 
wing from other ‘Grey’ Geese, and its flight is equally 
powerful and sustained. 
Nest.—The nest resembles that of the preceding species 
both in situation and construction. The eggs, about six 
in number, are dull cream colour. Tbe atten takes place 
about the middle of June. 
Geographical distribution.—The distribution of the 
Bean-Goose in the nesting-season extends over a consider- 
able portion of Northern Europe. It breeds in Sweden, 
Scandinavia, Norway, Russia, the Islands of Novaya-Zemlya 
(where it is abundant), the Yenesei and other Russian rivers. 
The late Mr. Seebohm found it nesting on the ‘tundras’ 
of the Petchora. On migration, in the cold season, the 
Bean-Goose visits the Huropean Continent as far south as 
