THE BEAN GOOSE. 63 



when the geese only proceed inland for the sake of 

 feeding, pastures or fields of young wheat are much 

 resorted to, and often prove fatal from enclosures 

 permitting an approach not to be obtained in an 

 open country, and always difficult from their ex- 

 treme watchfulness and acute sense of hearing. 

 Mr. Sejby states, that " in the early part of spring 

 they often alight on the newly sown bean and pea 

 fields, and is inclined to think that their trivial 

 name has been acquired from their apparent pre- 

 dilection for this kind of food." (No doubt that 

 of " segetum" was received from frequenting the 

 young grain fields.) " At night, on the North- 

 umbrian coast, they retire to the water, or else to 

 some ridge or bar of sand on the sea-coast, suffi- 

 ciently distant from the mainland to leave a safe 

 retreat."* Mr. Yarrell also mentions their arrival 

 in various of the more southern counties, but at a 

 much earlier period than they are ever observed in 

 Scotland ; having seen them himself in the month 

 of September, and being informed that they visit 

 Gloucestershire even so soon as the month of August, 

 feeding at these seasons on the stubbles. This 

 agrees nearer with their habits on some parts of the 

 Continent, where they have received the common 

 name of " Oie des moissons" or Harvest-goose. 

 During their migrations, or in flights to any con- 

 siderable distance, they fly high, and generally in a 

 straight line to their point. They are sometimes 

 very clamorous, and we have often been made aware 

 * Brit. Birds, ii. p. 264. 



