90 S76 



materially increases the value of the Fiiglevser on that remark- 

 able island. In East Finmark, it has hitherto been observed in 

 spring only, but there, too, it is no doubt to be met with breeding. 



In most places on the coast these birds and its congeners 

 are regarded in anything but a favourable light by the inhabitants, 

 owing to the damage they are said to occasion to the sprout- 

 ing corn. On Tams0, an island where tillage is unknown, and 

 which is strictly preserved, A. cinereus has well-nigh assumed the 

 character of a domestic bird, feeding boldly in the immediate 

 neighbourhood of the only house on the island. The stomach of 

 a male shot here on the 3'<^ July (total length 815 mm) contained 

 grass only; later in the season they are said to be very destructive 

 to the cloud-berries, with which this island abounds. 



About 150 eggs are annually collected on the island, a few 

 however belonging to another species somewhat smaller, which un- 

 fortunately I not did observe. 



About the 14tii April, sometimes at the end of March (1871), the 

 geese begin to arrive, and towards the latter end of the month 

 the first of the eggs may be found. Farther south they breed 

 perhaps a trifle earlier; in 1871 and 1872, I discovered young 

 in down as early as 13th June, off the coast of Nordland; on Tams0 

 such were not observed before the end of the month. 



Young in doivn, about 4 days old (Tams0 21-^ July): Back 

 yellowyish green, crown of the head greyish green, vent pale citron, 

 feet grey blended with green. Neck pale yellowish grey; cheeks 

 same as vent. Nail whitish. 



Sometimes the female will remove her eggs if discovered, to 

 some other spot. So soon as the young birds are hatched, the 

 female starts of with her brood, the male keeping near to warn 

 his mate of impending danger. If you attempt to approach, the 

 whole family will scud oif into the water, the young ones ducking 

 and diving with great dexterity. 



Anser segetum, Gmel. 



In Finmark, this species would appear to breed less abundantly 

 than the foregoing, and probably in the interior only. Its range, 



