148 BIRDS OF THE HUMBER DISTRICT. 



flock or two, but never exceeding seven or eight birds, 

 in the autumn and winter in our North-Lincoln 

 marshes ; they usually resort to some of the extensive 

 grass pastures, keeping together in a body and feed- 

 ing near the centre of the field. When disturbed, they 

 fly in a direct line and at a low elevation to some dis- 

 tant part of the marsh. From their excessive wari- 

 ness and the flatness of the district, it is almost im- 

 possible to approach them within shooting-distance. 



198. ANAS SEGETUM (Gmelin). Bean-Goose. 



Provincial. Wild Goose, Carr Lag- Goose. 



This well-known species is our common Wild Goose, 

 large flocks of which may be seen passing over in the 

 autumn from their breeding-haunts in the north. 



The first skeins of Geese generally make their 

 appearance late in September or early in October. 

 On certain portions of our coast during the winter, 



ment are three rows of coarse wicker pens, placed one above 

 another; each bird has its separate lodge, divided from the 

 others, which it keeps possession of during the time of sitting. 

 A gozzard, or gooseherd, attends the flocks, and twice a day 

 drives the whole to water, then brings them back to their habi- 

 tation, helping those that live in the upper stories to their nests, 

 without even misplacing a single bird." 



********** 

 " The Geese are usually plucked five times a year, though some 

 persons pluck them only three times, others four. The first 

 plucking is at Lady day for quills and feathers, and again at 

 Midsummer, Lammas, Michaelmas, and Martinmas." 



