NO. 4.] THE SLEDGE-JOURNEY AND FRANZ JOSEF LAND. 25 



Branta bernicla, (Lin.) 1766. 



Il is probable Ihat tiiis species bas breeding-places bolb in tbe middle and 

 northern parts of Franz Josef Land. On September 6tli (1895), two of them 

 were seen flying over the winter hul, (on Frederick .lackson Island) in a sonth- 

 easterly direction. On Jnne Isl, 1896, during the journey south from the 

 winter luit, on Mary Elizabeth Island, were seen a quantity of excrements 

 and empty egg-shells from the previous year, evidently belonging to this species. 

 The island, called "Goose Island" in Nansen's journal, is Hat, and the ground 

 is to some extent composed of mud and gravel, and is in places covered with 

 moss and other \egetation. (81° 7' N. Lat.|. 



On Jnne 5th, 1896, two brent geese were seen sitting on the shore-ice at 

 Cape Richthofen. 



Some of these birds were also seen during the stay at Gape Flora, in 

 Julie and July, 1896, but no breeding-places were found there. 



SomateHa mollissima, (Lin.) 1766. 



On only one occasion was this species observed on Franz Josef Land. 

 A Hock of six specimens was seen (simultaneously with the two Branta 

 hernida) swimming in the open water near the shoi-e at Gape Richthofen, on 

 June 5th, 1896. The flock included individuals of both sexes (80° 46' N. Lat.). 



Sterna maerura, Nanm. 1819. 



Two or three specimens were seen in the vicinity of Hvidtenland, on the 

 7th August, 189.5, (on tbe north side of Liv Island), in 81° 42' N. Lat. 



This was the only time that this species was observed during the sledge- 

 journey in 1895. 



In June and July, 1896, seveial specimens were seen near Gape Flora. 

 A pair seemed to he breeding somewhere in this neighbourhood, although 

 no nest was found. 



Bissa tridactyla, (Lin.) 1766. 



During the sledge-journey, this species was seen frequently. 



The first specimen in the spring. 1895, was observed on June l-Sth, in 



