BKENT-GOOSE. 95 



in the fenny districts which then prevailed over many parts of 

 the kingdom, not at all near or connected with what is yet called 

 " the fen country." But now it is comparatively a rare bird at 

 any season of the year, and nests no nearer to us than some of 

 the isles and coasts of Scandinavia. 



228. BEAN GOOSE (Anser segetum}, 

 Like the last, and in common with the Geese next to be men- 

 tioned, indiscriminately known by the name of Wild Goose. 

 Unlike the last, however, it is ascertained to breed in small num- 

 bers on some of the large lakes in the north of Scotland, and in 

 the islands of Lewis and Harris. Besides which, a nesting loca- 

 lity of this species in Westmoreland is named. The nests, in 

 some instances, are hid in very tall ling, and the eggs are from 

 five to seven in number. In size they are a little under 3 J inches 

 long by 2-| broad. 



229. PINK-FOOTED GOOSE (Anser IracJiyrfyncus). 

 A smaller bird than the last, but otherwise bearing a very 

 strong resemblance to it ; so much so, that it appears more than 

 probable it has often been assumed to be a young or small speci- 

 men of the former species. It is, however, of comparatively rare 

 occurrence notwithstanding. 



230. WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE (Anser albifrons). 



Laughing goose. A regular winter visitor, and not in any very 

 scantv numbers. One of my very worst discomfitures in my early 

 sporting-days took place in connection with a flock of these birds. 

 There were seven or eight of them which flew deliberately right 

 on towards my father and myself till they were within twenty- 

 five yards of us, and then they doubled up into a confused 

 clump, and I was already counting the slain when my gun missed- 

 fire. My father's did not, and gave us the opportunity of identi- 

 fying the species. It breeds in Scotland and other countries far 

 to the north. 



231. BERNICLE GOOSE (Anser leucopsis}. 

 Another winter visitor ; often appearing in great flocks, but 

 always retiring to the north again to breed. It is supposed to 

 frequent the shores of the White Sea especially for such purpose. 



232. BPtENT GOOSE (Anser brenta). 

 Black goose, Ware goose. By far the most numerous of all 

 the geese which visit our shores in winter, as it is also the least. 

 I have seen it in inconceivable numbers on the Essex coast in 

 hard winters, and the numbers reported to have been killed at 

 one discharge of a heavy punt gun, seem simply incredible. IE 



