THE BIRDS OF CUMBERLAND. 91 



grow upon the surface of the newly-formed portions 

 of the marsh, for the tide is constantly increasing 

 the superficial area of Rockliffe, while at the same 

 time it is wearing away Burgh marsh on the other 

 side of the Eden. 



The Barnacle is not wholly restricted to a 

 herbaceous diet, but feeds in a small degree upon 

 animal food obtained in the mud flats ; Mr. A. 

 Smith has observed, that, when the Barnacles are 

 feeding on the mud, their soil is darker than at 

 other times. 



In severe weather, the Barnacle suffers severely, 

 because the young tender blades, upon which it 

 subsists, are early nipped by the frost. At such 

 times, it is forced to feed upon coarse and stronger 

 grass, and its flesh becomes bitter and less palatable 

 in consequence. 



It is interesting to wait upon the point of Burgh 

 marsh, before daybreak, and listen to the cries of 

 the Barnacles, feeding on the point of Rockliffb 

 marsh immediately opposite. About an hour after 

 daybreak, they rise en masse from their feeding 

 ground, and after wheeling up and down the Solway 

 for a few moments, displaying their pretty barred 

 grey, black, and white plumage against the mud 

 flats, they fly seawards to the estuary of the 

 Wampool, or, circling round, pitch in a long line 

 upon the exposed mud half a mile to windward. 

 Barnacle Geese are constantly vociferous, especially 

 when feeding, and Mr. A. Smith compares the 

 volume of sound produced by a flock of several 

 hundred Barnacles feeding at night together, as 



