BRANT GOOSE. 



/ ~pHIS well-known bird is a native of the northern por- 

 tions of both hemispheres, but in North America is 

 found chiefly upon the eastern coast, and is rare in the in- 

 terior, although at times it is met with in the Mississippi 

 Valley. It is a bird of the salt water, and keeps to the 

 sea, either on it, or near the inner side of the beach on the 

 sounds and bays having an outlet to the ocean. It is 

 not found on the Pacific coast, where it is replaced by the 

 Black Brant, the succeeding species. The Brant breeds 

 probably nearer the Pole than almost any other bird, its 

 nest having been found in the most northern land yet 

 visited by man. Captain Fielden found the first nest 

 and eggs in latitude 82 33' N., and afterward many more 

 in the vicinity. This Goose passes Hudson Bay in the 

 spring and autumn in immense numbers, but makes no 

 stop and is not seen in the interior, keeping always near 

 the coast. The nests, which are mainly composed of 

 down or feathers, are placed upon the beach near the 

 water, but in Greenland, in Bellot's Straits, they are 

 built in the cliffs which line the sides of this passage, 

 according to the testimony of Dr. Walker, who saw this 

 species in that place. The eggs are grayish white. 

 During incubation the Gander remains in the vicinity of 

 the nest, and when the young are hatched the parents 

 conduct them to the lakes or open water near shore. 

 The adults moult by the end of July. Brant make their 

 appearance on the Atlantic coast of the United States in 

 so 



