CANADA GOOSE. 247 



soon after replaced by a southerly breeze, whose 

 influence I had scarcely felt when the swans in succes- 

 sion stretched their wings, and, with heavy measured 

 stroke, raised themselves in the air, first circling 

 round in gradually increasing circles ; ultimately, with 

 outstretched neck, shaping their course right over 

 my ambuscade. The moments of suspense, though 

 few, were sufficient to make the heart beat faster ; but 

 my hopes were not disappointed or long delayed. At 

 length I could see distinctly the eye of the leader, then 

 of the followers; next moment I was on my knees, 

 and with each barrel killed a bird. 



With intervals of ten or twelve minutes, a second 

 and third flock came within range, and were treated 

 similarly ; but here I ceased, for I had enough, and to 

 spare; had I desired, I could, without doubt, have 

 killed three times the number. 



Although it be two years since the events above 

 narrated occurred, the impression on my memory is so 

 distinct and pleasurable, that I feel convinced it never 

 will be forgotten. In fact, I regard it as one of those 

 episodes that give an ample reward to the sportsman 

 for weeks, yes months, of lack of success and wasted 

 toil. 



CANADA GOOSE. 



The Canada goose is a magnificent bird, and 

 although smaller than that of Europe, occupies the 

 same place to the New World that the common wild 

 goose does to the Old. The plumage is of a dark 

 slate colour along the neck, breast, and stomach, 

 gradually becoming black toward the back and wing 

 coverts : the head, also, is black, with a clear white 



