The Water-fowl of the Pacific Coast 541 



or more high, when they suddenly slow up for a 

 moment as if to assure themselves that they are 

 over the centre of the pond. Then the edge of 

 the line begins to break off, for birds are suddenly 

 tumbling, whirling, pitching, falling in all sorts of 

 lines and motions. Head first, tail first, it makes 

 no difference which way they start, for in a mo- 

 ment they are whirling over into some new posi- 

 tion, on their backs with tips of wings pointed 

 skyward, then standing in air with tail down and 

 wings still skyward as if outstretched in prayer, 

 then as suddenly darting off on one side in a long, 

 swooping curve, every one in a grand go-as-you- 

 please somersault and the whole line whirling 

 to the water. With wondrous quickness the one 

 that first comes within ten yards of the water 

 rights himself and sets his wings, the next wheels 

 over and falls into line beside him, then another 

 and another until perhaps the whole flock are 

 drifting solemnly over the face of the water with 

 every ringing throat now hushed. A few rods 

 they sail almost touching the water, when they 

 gently raise their heads, lower their tails, lift their 

 wings, drop their feet, and with a soft swish they 

 are at rest. 



THE SNOW GOOSE 



The snow goose, commonly called " white brant" 

 to distinguish it from the white-fronted goose or 

 " gray brant, " often seems more numerous on the 



