260 NATATORES. ANSER. 



contain those species which we are accustomed to term Wild 

 Geese, bearing a great resemblance to each other in form, 

 colour of plumage, and habits ; and the Bernicles, of inferior 

 size, with a shorter bill, and generally with black legs. 



From the central position of their legs, the moderate size 

 of their feet, and the length of their tarsi, the Geese walk 

 readily on land, and are indeed much more frequently seen 

 there than on the water. They swim, however, with buoy- 

 ancy and ease, but rarely dive, and only in cases of great 

 emergency ; when wounded, perhaps, or otherwise unable to 

 escape. In diet they are graminivorous, as well as granivo- 

 rous, chiefly the former ; and for cutting such kind of food 

 the laminated structure of the bill is admirably adapted. 

 For this purpose they seek the meadows of the interior of the 

 country, and resort much to fields of young wheat or other 

 grain. From the great development of wing their flight is 

 strong, and they make rapid progress during their migratory 

 journeys, as they can move at the rate of fifty or sixty miles 

 in an hour. In these flights they advance in a diagonal line, 

 or in two such lines, meeting in a point like an inverted V. 

 They breed in the marshy districts of the countries to which 

 they retire during the summer months, laying several eggs 

 of a white, or sullied white colour. The flesh of the species 

 is well flavoured, and highly esteemed for the table ; and in 

 some countries certain kinds constitute the principal support 

 of the inhabitants, being killed in immense numbers during 

 their periodical flights, and prepared as food for the winter. 



