482 



ANSERIDJS. 



and not only know where to look for them when they are 

 settled, but at what points they can most easily be inter- 

 cepted, going and returning. It is the custom of the 

 fowler to conceal himself behind some lurking-place, 

 natural or artificial ; or, if this be wanting, to stretch 

 himself on the ground. Then, as a skein, unconscious of 

 danger, approaches, he suddenly shows himself ; the birds, 



THE BRENT BERNICLE. 



panic-struck, huddle together before they alter their line of 

 flight, and the sportsman fires into the midst of them. 



They are the most abundant of all the Geese which 

 frequent our shores, and are killed in great numbers 

 and sent to market. They come to us in November 

 and remain till late in February, when they begin to 

 migrate in successive flights, the youngest birds staying 

 until April. It is not believed that they ever remain 

 to breed, but that they repair to the Arctic Regions, 

 and make their nests of withered herbage in marshy 

 ground. 



