WILD-GOOSE SHOOTINO. 179 



parts of the eastern coast of England tlian elsewhere, they are not 

 partial to the North Sea ; and are never seen in such numbers on the 

 coast north of Essex as on that and more southern parts. 



Be the winter mild or sevei'e, there are always some of the species 

 about the south-eastern coast ; and in very severe winters they assem- 

 ble in countless numbers, making- a trumpet-like noise as they fly 

 through the air, which, when heard at a distance, very much resem- 

 bles the deep tone of a pack of harriers in full cry. 



The Brent-goose diifers from the ordinary grey-lag', and several 

 other of the goose species, as regards its habits, in some important 

 particulars, inasmuch as it never feeds on fresh-water herbage, nor 

 flies far inland or alights in fi'esh-water ; but its tastes are exclusively 

 salinous. The Brent-goose never resorts to green fields nor meadows, 

 thoug'h it is occasionally met with in salt-marshes, which are watered 

 by every tide. The favourite haunts and feeding-grounds of 

 brent-geese are the muddy flats and green oozes of large 

 rivers, salt-water lakes, and sheltered baysj to which they re- 

 sort as soon as the receding tide leaves them a resting-place for 

 their feet. They generally take their stand on that part of the ooze 

 which is most open and unapproachable by creeks or rills ; and there, 

 if undisturbed, they feed greedily until the next tide fairly lifts them 

 from their legs ; when, if by daylight, they fly beyond the coast, ex- 

 cept in very rough weather, at which time they seek for shelter in 

 the rivers and inland arms of the sea. 



Brent-geese are eagerly pursued by the wild-fowl shooter with 

 yacht and swivel-gun ; they also afibrd splendid sport to the punter. 

 They are generally very wary ; though sometimes, and on certain 

 occasions they are quite the reverse, and may be approached without 

 difficulty. We allude more especially to their habits just before a 

 storm or gale,* when instinct seems to warn them to make the best 

 of their time ; for on such occasions a whole gaggle may frequently 

 be surprised by the wild-fowler, who finds half the number with their 

 heads under their wings. And the same after a gale ; particularly if 

 it has lasted two or three days without intermission : they then 

 become so himgry, that when feeding they may be easily approached 

 under ordinary precautions ; and after their appetites are appeased 

 they are so glad of rest, that a still better opportunity generally 

 awaits the punter. 



* " When they do make a gaggling in the air more than usual, or seem to fight, 

 being over greedy at their meat, expect then cold and winterly weather." — Wilh- 

 ford.'s Nature's Secrets. 



