69 



Goose nests in the British Islands I believe that no 

 properly authenticated eggs have ever been 

 obtained. 



In the north they appear in large flocks early 

 in the autumn and on the approach of cold weather 

 gradually make their way south. 



In East Lothian and other parts of the south 

 of Scotland these birds, as well as the Greylags, 

 become a perfect nuisance from the depredations 

 they commit on the crops. 



When living in that district I w T as proceeding 

 one evening to dine with a neighbouring farmer, 

 when I perceived what I imagined in the gloaming 

 to be a large flock of sheep advancing over a field 

 of young corn. As I knew they had no business 

 there I went cautiously round the back of the hedge 

 to learn, if possible, where they were breaking 

 through, and on looking over was almost as much 

 surprised as the birds themselves to discover my 

 flock of sheep transformed into about 500 Wild 

 Geese. 



I was totally unprepared at the moment to fire 

 a gun which I had with me, but before they got 

 out of range I managed to bring down two and 

 wound another, which was captured alive by a 

 sheep-dog the following day. 



Had I known the birds were there they were 

 so closely packed that at least ten or a dozen must 

 have been bagged. 



The two killed were both of this species, but 

 the other, which I did not see myself, appeared 

 from the description given me to be a Greylag. 



I have seen these birds particularly numerous 

 during some winters in the grass marshes in the 

 east of Norfolk. In this locality, the ditches being 

 sufficiently wide to be navigable by a small punt, 

 first-rate sport may occasionally be obtained from 

 them. 



When the weather remains open and the 

 supply of food is plentiful they attain a great 



