( 296 ) 



times, from the nature of its food, its flesh acquires a sedgy taste. It is 

 considered superior for the table late in the Spring. The epicure 

 well knows the merits of the "May Brant." 



In the plumage, there are no markings by which the sex can be 

 distinguished. Many undertake to determine it by the white mark- 

 ings on the sides of the neck, supposing that character to be more 

 fully developed on the neck of the male; but this cannot be depend- 

 ed upon. I have frequently selected them by this supposed distinc- 

 tion, and on dissection the male and female organs have appeared 

 without reference to such character. 



Their unwillingness to give up their wandering habits, makes it 

 difficult to domesticate them. I have frequently tried it with young- 

 birds, having taken the precaution to cut off a joint from one of their 

 wings, thus rendering them incapable of flying; still they would 

 wander to the creeks that lead to the bay, and doubtless have fallen 

 easy game to some passing sportsman. With a good deal of atten- 

 tion, particularly when associated with Canada Geese that have 

 been domesticated, its native propensities are more easily subdued ; 

 but in the domestic state have never been known to breed. 



The average weight of the Brant is four pounds. The adult can 

 be distinguished to a certainty from the young, by its wings — 

 which are entirely black, while those of the latter are 

 broadly tipped with white. As soon as the ice begins to form in our 

 bays, it retires southward. Returning in April, it continues its vi- 

 sit until late in May, when they assemble at the " great nursery" at 

 the North. 



ANSER ALBIFRONS— BECHST. 



WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE. 



Anscr nlhifrons, Iionnp. Svn. 



Auscr albifrons. Laughing Goose, Sw. & Rich. 



Wnite-f'rouicd Goose, Null. Man 



White-lronuil Guo^c, Auscr albifrons, Aud. Orn. Biog. 



Specific Character — Head arid neck greyish-brown; at the base 

 of the upper mandable. a white band. Adult with the bill car- 

 mine red; with the unguis white; head and neck grayish-brown; 



