EDIBLE QUALITIES. 21 



the two sexes. Wigeon I place fifth. These birds, 

 when shot on the tide, are never really good, but, 

 when obtained inland, and are entirely marsh and 

 meadow feeders, they are excellent. They, how- 

 ever, at all times lack the game taste of Pintail, 

 Teal, or Duck, and their flavour is somewhat coarse 

 and strong in comparison. 



Among the Diving Ducks, Pochard are much the 

 best, and, when killed on the inland lakes, are as 

 good as Wild Duck, if not better. But on the tide 

 their flavour is certainly strong. 



Scaup are only third-rate as food, and have a 

 tendency to be oily, which Pochard have not. They 

 are well fed in all but the very hardest frost. The 

 Tufted Duck and Goldeneye are very inferior 

 eating, and Mergansers, from their fish diet, are 

 uneatable. For the same reason the large Divers 

 may rank with Cormorants. 



Among the Geese, Brent are the best of all ; but 

 a young Bean Goose need not be despised, especi- 

 ally if shot inland about the end of October or 

 beginning of November. This bird and the White- 

 fronted Goose make capital "giblet soup" at all times, 

 even the old birds. I should advise the Bernicle 

 to be left untried. But no Goose, except a Brent, 

 unless a very young bird, is fit to serve up whole- 

 even to a rival shooter ; for, as the country folk 

 would say, " Pat Hegarty's leathern breeches" 

 would make a better dish. 



Swans are not fit for food, except, perhaps, a 

 young cygnet, which may be experimented upon as 

 a roast ; but I would sooner make a present of it. 



As to Plover, the Golden stands ahead of all 



