GREY-LAG GOOSE. 113 



In Yorkshire, one was killed near Doncaster, in the spring 

 of 1843, and others are said by Mr. Allis, to have been known 

 at Walton Hall, and near Barnsley, York, and Sheffield. 



It occurs, but not very commonly, in Lincolnshire; so the 

 llev. 11. P. Alington tells me. In Norfolk it is said to have 

 occurred formerly, and to do so still, though rarely. This at 

 least is the account given by Messrs. John Henry Grurney 

 and William Richard Fisher, but Messrs. C. J. and James 

 Paget say that it is very common. The former statement, I 

 incline to think, is the correct one; one was shot at Breydon 

 Water, near Yarmouth, in April, 1849. Specimens have been, 

 and are obtained, from time to time, in Northumberland, 

 Durham, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Devonshire, and Cornwall, 

 near Falmouth, but only occasionally, in the spring and 

 autumn, according to W. P. Cocks, Esq. 



In Ireland, one was obtained in Queen's County, in the 

 month of February, 1848. It is but rarely now obtained 

 in that island, though considered to have been formerly more 

 abundant. 



In Scotland, as related by Mr. St. John, some still breed 

 in Sutherlandsliire, on Loch Maddie, Loch Laigal, Loch Urigil, 

 and other waters. In the Orkney Islands these Wild-G-eese 

 occur every winter, but not in great numbers. They leave 

 in the spring, none having ever been known to stay to breed. 



This species is considered to be the origin of the tame 

 birds, and if it be so, as appears to be the case, its diminution 

 in numbers, without apparent cause, contemporaneously with 

 the increase of the domesticated birds, and their entire 

 establishment, is certainly a very curious fact, and one which 

 may well direct the mind to the over-ruling and all-wise 

 Providence of GrOD. Where, in like manner, is the parent-stock 

 of the dog, the camel, or the horse now to be found? 



The localities it inhabits are the borders of lakes, large 

 ponds, inland seas fringed with flags and rushes, desolate 

 fens, and unfrequented swamps, and the sea-shore in cold 

 weather. Meyer writes, 'By nature the present species is very 

 shy, and can only be approached by a sportsman by stealth, 

 whereas either a shepherd, ploughman, woman, or child, is 

 very little heeded. 



This bird appears sociable among its own species, as a 

 solitary one is hardly ever met with; but it does not easily 

 mix in company with other Geese, and least of all with the 

 Bean Goose. On the wing it is strong, but heavy, although 



