CHAPTER XXXI. 



THE GREY-LAO GOOSE. 



(Anser palustris). 



" But, for the water-fowl the air's too dry ; 

 The geese find out there's no grass in the sky, 

 And say a common's needful for their health." 



Translation from ARISTOPHANES. 



THIS species is said to be the origin of the tame goose, which, truly, 

 it very much resembles. The grey-lag is the largest of the wild- 

 goose species which visits our shores. It is seldom seen in company 

 with any other than those of its own species though a solitary 

 grey-lag is only to be met with when wounded. 



The grey -lag goose is very strong on the wing ; and, notwith- 

 standing its heavy body, flies at a rapid rate. When moving about 

 the coast, up rivers, and in bays, its flight is low ; but when flying 

 over land, or on a migratory tour, it flies very high. In severe 

 winters they visit our shores in large gaggles ; but if the season 

 continues very mild, they do not come so far south. 



On first arriving in strange waters, they are generally so tame that 

 there is no difficulty in obtaining access to them with punt and gun ; 

 but they afterwards become extremely shy, and the utmost skill of the 

 sportsman in attempting to approach them is sometimes unavailing. 

 When first driven by a stormy sea to seek shelter inland, they select 

 some large salt-water river or sheltered bay ; and when a party of 

 grey-geese have found temporary security in such waters, they 

 frequently use it the whole winter season, returning at different 

 intervals during every day j if it be an extensive plain of ooze, they 

 often spend the whole day there ; and as soon as the customary 

 hour of evening flight arrives, they soar high in the air arid fly many 



